Open Palm Hand Covers &amp; Uses of Said Covers

ABSTRACT

The present invention has a palmar portion with only one large recess of substantial sixe to enable skin contact with the skin exposed by the one opening. The one large opening is positioned along the glove palmar portion and does not expose any of the wearer&#39;s five metacarpophalangeal joints as well as the thumb metacarpal when the glove is worn.

This application is a Continuation-in-Part to application Ser. No.15/990,776, which is a Continuation-In-Part to application Ser. No.14/544,887, which is a Continuation to application Ser. No. 13/374,868,filed on Jun. 20, 2012, in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relatesto sports apparatus and equipment, and usesthereof, used in playing the game of various sports. The presentinvention and its multi-sport embodiments enhance the overallperformance in athletic tasks or execution during sports play andpractice by creating gloves that allow golfers and basketball playersbetter perform hand tasks.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

An important goal in playing sports is to win. Often that means properplay execution, good ball control, good grip and feel, and proper formin the sports fundamentals. Gloves and other types of hand covers arepermitted in most sports. Many individuals use gloves to enhance, insome way, their competitive edge. Indeed, gloves have become soimportant that different types of gloves have been created for differentsports.

In the sport of golf, to be sure, there exists much prior art in theform of gloves for a golfer's weak (non-dominant) hand. In fact mostactive golf player swear a glove on their weak hand, and go without aglove for their strong hand (if one were to go to any major store to buygolf gloves, they would be sold and packaged in singles—one glove—notsold in pairs). Gloves are prevalent in golf largely because of theimportant role that hand grip and control play in a golfer's overallperformance.

Although there are many types of gloves for a golfer's weak-hand, theyall attempt to maximize a golfer's weak-hand grip without regard to agolfer's weak-hand feel, and hand coordination needs. It is no surprise,therefore, that prior art consists of full-fingered, closed palm (entirepalm is covered) gloves. As a result, a typical golfer must rely on hisor her weak-hand to provide all of the enhanced grip support from a golfglove, and on his strong-hand to provide all of the ‘feel’ in his golfswing. This of course is a significant weakness as it minimizes tactilesensitivities along the weak hand. Indeed, having direct skin-to-clubcontact at both ends of a standard, two handed golf grip using theoverlapping or interlocking golf grip method would substantiallyincreasing the golfer's ability to complete a proper, hand-unified golfswing.

There is, therefore, an opportunity to invent a device—and significantlyimprove prior art—that could offer some ‘feel’ ability for theweak-hand, without significantly diminishing that enhanced grip abilitythat hand covers offer. This new ability to feel the club with bothhands—and therefore throughout the entire grip—would increase overallhand control as well as hand coordination of a golfer's club swing, andtherefore greater success in competition.

The golf grip and hand coordination are of course very important insuccessful play execution. In a popular 1989 video titled “Golf forJuniors” by Billy Casper, a golf instructor states “with over 50 yearsgolf experience the two points that we stress are, one, the grip. Ifirmly believe that the grip is the most important fundamental becauseit's the only contact that the body has with the golf club and the golfball.” Coordination is a key aspect and could be enhanced by properlyfeeling the golf club throughout the entire golf swing.

New art would therefore significantly and substantially enhance golfperformance by providing the ability to feel throughout the club grip,for a more stable feel and, equally if not more importantly, also allowa golfer to better feel if one part of the club improperly moves. Forexample, although prior art golf gloves offer grip capabilities on thefingers of the golfer, it also covers the entire palm area whichtherefore desensitizes the palm in feeling of any movement by the golfclub during a golf swing. By offering a partially open-palm glove with astrategically placed large recess exposing only a portion of the palmwould enable the wearer to feel if a slight movement has taken placeduring a golf swing by the golf club. Slight golf club movementsindicate improper golf swing mechanics often resulting in poor golfperformance. More specifically, the strongest grip points of a golf gripare around the thumb and forefingers of both hands, as well as along thegolfer's metacarpophalangeal joints; these areas of the golfer's handmust therefore be covered by a sports glove to maintain heightened gripto control the golf club when swinging the golf club. A weaker area of agolfer's grip is often along the edge of the weak hand—principally onand around the pinkie finger metacarpal. In fact a common problem forgolfers has to do with not being able to keep the golf club fromslipping down the edge of the golfer's hand during the golf swing. Whenslippage happen, the result is a poor and unpredictable impact of thegolf club on the golf ball. With this being a common and significantproblem in golf, it is important for the golfer to first notice when thegolf club slips down the pinkie finger metacarpal and then adjustaccordingly. However, as poor ball contact in a golf club swing may bethe result of several issues, such as improper golf stance or lateunhinging of one's wrists, conventional golf gloves lack a structuralfeature that allows the wearer to notice whether a poor golf swing wasthe result of golf club slippage. The golfer is left with having toreflect on poor impact and memory to ponder whether the golf club mayhave slipped along the pinkie finger metacarpal as opposed to knowingwith certainly and immediately when swinging the golf club.

Golf club slippage may occur for several reasons. For example, oneperforms a downswing by moving the golf club at very high speeds thatincrease in velocity by unhinging the wrist, all of which can result ina slight movement of the golf club during the golf club downswing. Asimple test can more easily reveal this significant problem. Constantswinging of a golf club at real club swing speeds, for example, oftenresults in soreness along and around the edge of the glove, principallyon or around the pinkie finger metacarpal and ring finger metacarpal.This soreness can also come from the rubbing or slipping along the areabetween the club handle and the weak-hand grip before and through golfball impact. This is especially important in the sport of golf becauseeven the smallest of club slipping—during the golf swing or upon impactof the golf ball—can create enormous inconsistencies and inaccuracies,critical issues in determining overall performance in the sport of golf,for example.

The problem is compounded because prior art gloves completely cover theentire edge and entire palm of the weak hand, minimizing the ability tohave much feel in that area, and therefore making it very difficult tonotice if there was any movement of the golf club during the downswingof the golf swing.

Therefore, a significant ‘feel’ problem and opportunity currently existsto create a glove that can provide a golfer with the important abilityto have a necessary feel of a golf club. Providing a glove that issubstantially uncovered in only a select area of the palm—such as belowand substantially parallel where the golf club shaft is properly heldalong the wearer's palm—while leaving other areas of the glove coveredto maintain the important grip capabilities of the weak-hand—such as andespecially the palm top portion which is defined as all of the wearer'sfive metacarpophalangeal joints—solves this problem. Creating thissolution to the problem allows for high grip capabilities to bemaintained where crucial while increasing overall feel, naturallyresulting in a more productive performance in golf by, among otherthings, decreasing inconsistencies and inaccuracies, critical issues indetermining overall performance.

In the sport of basketball, there is a significant void when it comes togrip enhancers that one can use to enhance performance, or even simplyfor aesthetic purposes or for use during actual game play. Althoughthere are several generic multisport gloves in the market today,virtually none of the over 100 million basketball players around theglobe use gloves when playing basketball. A primary reason whybasketball players choose not to use gloves is that basketball playersoften need to be able to simultaneously both grip and feel thebasketball. Although many hand tasks require a good grip, no artcurrently exists that would adequately provide these players withenhanced grip capabilities, or enhanced protection, without having tosacrifice the critical ability of being able to properly feel thebasketball as well.

One clear hand task in basketball requiring this specific and particulargrip and feel combination is in shooting the basketball with theintention of making a score or basket. Conventional jump-shot shootingform requires, among other things, that the player hold the basketballlargely with the fingertips of both hands, and creating a small openingbetween the ball and the palm area of the player's strong-hand. This, inturn, requires that a portion of the palm area—hereinafter called ashooter's gap—remain untouched by the basketball. This shooters gap isespecially important when properly shooting free throws as well.

There are several figures from those skilled in the art of basketballthat emphasize the same areas where a basketball should be touched bythe hand when using proper form. For example, the websitedicksbasketballcamp.com, highlights the areas as primarily thefingertips (notably at least the entire distal phalanx of each of thefour fingers), the top portion of the palm area (defined as themetacarpophalangeal joints of each of the four fingers), and part of thethumb bulge (notably at least the metacarpal of the thumb). In anauthoritative training book, Play Better Basketball (Pruitt, 1982), theauthor also has essentially delineated the identical areas in itsdrawing (page 81, and as replicated in FIG. 9). The shooter's gap regionthen re presents the area of the palm area that should not be touched bythe hand. The boundaries of the shooter's gap region represent andexpose the middle of the palm, generally following the edges of thethumb bulge down to the wrist crease area. Additionally, the bottomboundary—or the distal edge of the shooter's gap region representsapproximately the hypothenar eminence up to part, though certainly notmore than 50 percent of the hypothenar eminence. Preferably, thehypothenar eminence is essentially not exposed. The top edge of theshooters gap region, or the proximal edge, begins below the top portionof the palm which, as aforementioned represents the metacarpalphalangealjoints of the forefinger, middle finger, ring finger and pinkie finger.Therefore, the boundary of the shooter's gap region may abut but notextend over the metacarpalphalangeal joints of the forefinger, middlefinger, ring finger and pinkie finger. The widest length of the shootersgap region is about 2 inches or so and the widest width is about 2inches or so, depending on the dimensions of the wearer's hand.

No prior art exist that would increase the gripping abilities along thetop portion of a basketball player's hand which touch a basketball whenproperly shooting the basketball while leaving the rest of thehand—especially the shooters gap region—uncovered and thus free to feelif the basketball is touching the palm area, indications that would meanthat the player is improperly shooting the basketball.

Basketball players need to both grip and feel, especially if she missesa shot and needs to adjust accordingly. This need to feel is soimportant in shooting a basketball that virtually everyone chooses notto wear gloves and instead settles for lesser ball control primarilybecause they forego wearing a grip enhancing glove.

Referring again to the book Play Better Basketball (1982), Pruittdiscusses proper shooting form. “Here are some of the basic things tocheck for proper form: Are you elevating the ball, i.e., shooting fromyour forehead and not from the chest, is the ball centered so your armsform a triangle, are you shooting the ball off the heels of your handand not burying it in your palms or using just the fingertips . . . .”In other words, when using proper shooting form, the basketball touchesher hand's heel pad, represented principally by the thumb bulge and thehypothenar eminence. And, by contrast, when using proper shooting form,the basketball should not touch the middle of the palm, principally onand around the middle finger metacarpal & ring finger metacarpal.

Prior art offers limited assistance in maintaining or learning tomaintain this shooter's gap. For example there is the SHOTLOCK productthat one places on one's hand, that looks and feels like brass knuckles,and is supposed to keep the basketball from touch the center of the palmby physically keeping the ball elevated and away from the palm center.This has major limitations, of course as the device hinders thedevelopment in properly developing muscles in the fingers to supportelevated ball when not using the device.

Although offering some advantages using prior art, in the form of moregeneric multisport gloves, these gloves also create major disadvantagesthat often forces an individual to choose not to use any grip enhancingdevices at all because the prior art gloves are not structurally useful.First, most gloves cover the entire palm area, making it impossible tobe practically beneficial in the sport of basketball. Second, prior artgloves that offer recesses over the palm area also having significantdisadvantages to the point that they too are not used by the millions ofindividuals playing the sport. Leaving the palm area open much widerthan the shooters gap region, for example, significantly diminishes theusefulness and can actually distract a player. Some areas of the palm infact should touch the ball when using proper shooting form, such as thetop portion of the palm, and much of the thumb bulge. Basketball glovestherefore need to leave these areas covered by the glove so that thebasketball player can increase the grip and control capabilities inthese critical grip areas. There are also other grip products on themarket which keep the palm off the basketball. The crucial problem isthat some of these products also keep the player's shooting pads belowher fingers off the ball. Most of these devices therefore teach a playeran incorrect gripping procedure. Limited prior art exist that provide anathlete with the ability to have enhanced control when dribbling abasketball as well. Proper dribbling form is to rarely, if ever, look atthe basketball while dribbling said ball—thus one of the criticalreasons why one needs to be able to maintain high ‘feel’ ability.Without any extra grip enhancers however, it is difficult to maintainstable control of the basketball. Minimizing turnovers by offeringbetter ball control while dribbling a basketball would dramaticallyenhance a player's performance. Those players playing the position ofGuard may benefit from added grip support especially because they mayneed to dribble, at least briefly, with their strong hand as well aswith their weak hand. Whereas many players would benefit from controlenhancers for their strong (dominant) hand, most guards would certainlyalso benefit from control enhancers for their weak hand.

According to Wikipedia, ‘dribbling is the act of bouncing the ballcontinuously with one hand, and is a requirement for a player to takesteps with the ball. To dribble, a player pushes the ball down towardsthe ground with the fingertips rather than patting the ball. Thisensures greater control.’ Feel is critical if one is to try and not lookat the ball while dribbling, and instead looking down the basketballcourt for opportunities to score. Individuals who play basketball alsohave to both ‘feel’ and grip a ball to perform properly, and althoughthey too could significantly enhance performance in controlling a ball,prior art forces them to choose all feel as well, and go without anytype of grip enhancers. This insoluble problem therefore also exists indribbling and controlling a basketball, and these players wouldsubstantially benefit from developing a way to maintain ‘feel’ whileincreasing grip capabilities in select areas of the hand. Morespecifically, new art is needed that could offer enhancers in certainlocations of the hand while leaving key areas of the palm uncovered andtherefore being able to maintain necessary feel.

Although athletes playing the position of Forward or Center would alsobenefit by enhanced dribbling abilities, many of the turnovers caused byForwards and Centers are often the result of dropping passes thrown tothem, or from making a bad pass. Offering art that would enhance theability to better pass or catch a basketball would therefore alsoenhance overall performance for anyone playing the sport of basketball.For example, there are some problems associated with wet or oily handsthat could be solved with new art in the form of a more structurallyspecific glove for use in the sport of basketball. You often see playerswearing cotton wrist bands to keep their hands dry. The conventionalsolution into either use these wrist bands or using powder on handsbefore a game starts, however there are clear indications that currentremedies are inadequate. A typical game—even a professional game—oftencan have many turnovers, for example. The Los Angeles Lakers, in a 2011New Year's Eve game against the Denver Nuggets had 20 turnovers alone,so offering art that would increase ball control while shooting,dribbling, passing or even catching a basketball would significantlyenhance performance by, among other things, minimizing turnovers.

Clearly, there is significant and substantial need in inventing new artin the sport of basketball. New art would go a long way in offering aplayer the following benefits, and more:

-   -   Better shooting form    -   Better dribbling    -   Better catching a basketball    -   Increased control    -   Minimizing turnovers    -   Greater play execution

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has chiefly to do with the palm of the glove. Itconcerns a particularly located cutout portion of the palm area of theglove body palmar portion, making embodiments uniquely useful forindividuals playing the sports of golf or basketball. This one palmopening recess may of course be of different shapes, dimensions andstrategic locations in accordance with the scope of the presentinvention.

The present invention has a palmar portion overlaying the wearer's palmthat has only one large recess of substantial size to enable the exposedpalm skin to touch a basketball or golf club when the glove is worn.

The only one large recess extending over the wearer's palm of thepresent invention does not extend to expose the metacarpophalangealjoint of the pinkie finger, the metacarpophalangeal joint of the ringfinger, the metacarpophalangeal joint of the middle finger or themetacarpophalangeal joint of the forefinger—also known and defined asthe top portion of the glove body palmar portion of the presentinvention. In addition, the only one large recess is positioned alongthe glove body palmar portion such that it does not extend to expose thethumb metacarpal when the glove is worn.

The present invention also has an open end at the wrist portion of theglove. The open end is expansible so as to hold more securely to thewearer's wrist. The glove wrist dorsal portion has a fastener forfastening the glove body secure about the wrist area, critical in sportsactivities where the wearer's hand moves very rapidly such as inbasketball for example.

The unique combination results in maintaining or enhancing the necessarygrip capabilities along the critical area of the top portion, whileincreasing tactile sensitivities along a specific area of the wearer'spalm during sports play.

In some embodiments, the only one large recess is positioned principallyalong the middle of the glove palmar portion and is adapted to expose atleast a substantial portion of the wearer's middle finger metacarpalwhen the glove is worn.

In other embodiments the only one large recess is positioned near theedge of the glove body palmar portion and is adapted to expose at leasta portion of the pinkie finger metacarpal when the glove is worn.

Embodiments may also offer a grip-enhancing means to further enhance thecoefficient of friction along select areas compared to the surroundingmaterials forming the glove body palmar portion. The grip-enhancingmeans may comprise of various materials forms and designs including, butnot limited to, grooves, foams, fabrics, PVC dots, perimeter patchingdesigns, a plurality of projections, a plurality of depressions orcombinations thereof. Furthermore, the could comprise of thermalneoprene construction, neoprene coated latex to provide a non-slip gripin oily conditions, polyurethane-coated along the thumb bulge or theglove body palmar top portion for added grip, as these hand locationsare important to maintain high grip capabilities. The grip-enhancingmeans create a higher coefficient of friction than the surrounding glovematerial and thereby significantly increasing grip capabilities alongthat particular portion of the glove body when the glove is worn.

Embodiments may also provide micro recesses randomly disposed along theglove body dorsal portion, the palmar portion or the finger stalls, forventilation and moisture management purposes. The micro recesses aregenerally about 0.120 millimeters or so in diameter, but certainly arenot large enough to enable skin contact with a golf club or basketballas that would then make the embodiment unable to complete its intendedfunction.

The glove body may be constructed with those standard in sport gloveconstruction. Consideration should be given to appropriate materialsthat can offer moisture and perspiration resistance, such as a neoprene,a leather, or a cotton material. Flexibility and durability are also ofimportance, such as synthetic leather such as Cabretta leather, urethaneand polyurethane materials, a polyester-urethane mesh or a flexiblerubber for example. Nylon and spandex may also be considered in theconstruction of the present invention, such as in the forming of anyfinger segment stall for example.

One sport where the present invention will meet an unmet need is in thesport of golf. Embodiments significantly improve prior art because ofits physical difference and function utility. Prior art do not allow agolfer to take complete advantage of his or her preferred grip, which isoften selected to create a strong and complete coordinated golf swing.

An improved sports glove embodiment comprises a glove with one largerecess along the palm area closely below and parallel where the golfclub crosses along the wearer's palm when properly gripping a golf club.The one large recess is positioned along the glove body palmar portioncreating an opening that exposes enough of the palm skin such that thenow exposed skin is capable of touching the golf club through the largerecess. The one large recess is the only recess of substantial size toenable the skin of the palm to touch a golf club when the glove is worn.If one were to compare the features that this invention offers to thoseof prior art one would immediately see the significant and substantialdifferences. The present invention provides an immediate feedbackmechanism if someone is swinging a golf club improperly during thedownswing by providing one large recess strategically located along thisselect area of the wearer's palm. As a result, the embodiment providesthe opportunity of having a much more controlled, unified golf swing byincreasing the ability of having the more hand coordinated golf swingand increase the performance in the sport of golf.

Much like there are three basic finger engaging grips when gripping aclub (the interlocking, the overlapping and the full-fingered grip),there are also a few ways that the golf club should cross the palm areawhen gripping a golf club. The websitehttp://perfectgolfswingreview.net/grip.htm, offers a basic descriptionas well as a diagram (replicated in FIG. 8). It states that golfinstructors identify three different and basic left palmar locations forthe grip when executing a full golf swing. Referring the FIG. 8 forexample, The ‘D’ line path represents what is called a “Distance” grippattern. This grip pattern is often described as a finger grip pattern.The author goes on to say that ‘another disadvantage of a finger grip isthat it is more difficult to securely hold the grip without the clubslipping in the left hand during the swing action.’ The ‘N’ linerepresents what is calls a “Neutral grip” pattern. It is also called alow palmar grip pattern, because the grip lies across the low palm, andit is near the hypothenar eminence (heel pad). The ‘C’ line representswhat is calls a “Control” grip pattern. Embodiments consider the D, N,and C grip paths when positioning the one large recess on the sportsglove.

A new method of swinging a golf club now exists whereby a golfer wears agolf glove embodiment having only one large recess of substantial sizeto allow the skin of the exposed palm area to touch a golf club, placesthe glove on the weak (non-dominant) hand and grips a golf club usinghis or her preferred grip manner, the golf club thereby extending acrossthe glove body palmar portion and above the embodiment's one largerecess. In other words, when the golf club resides across the golfglove, the golf club will be above the one large recess and thus willnot be touching the skin exposed by the one large recess at the start ofthe golf swing. The golfer then swings the golf club making impact on agolf ball. Immediately and throughout the swinging of the golf club, thegolfer can quickly and easily determine if he used proper golf swingform and not allow the golf club to touch the palm area exposed by theembodiment's one large recess during the golf swing. If the golf clubdid touch the exposed skin, this would mean that the golf club slippeddown the edge of the wearer's hand at some point during the golf swing.When slippage happens, the result is a poor and unpredictable impact ofthe golf club on the golf ball. After determining that the position ofthe golf club was maintained throughout the golf swing by recalling ifthe exposed skin touched the golf club during anytime particularlyduring the downswing, the wearer can then continue to discern if otheraspects of the golf swing form were properly executed such as properlyunhinging, for example. If the golf club did touch his palm areaprincipally along the pinkie finger metacarpal, the ring fingermetacarpal, or both, exposed by the one large recess, he can quicklyadjust his grip and try again because he would now realize that he swungthe golf club using improper golf swing form. A critical benefit here isthe ability to quickly & accurately assess his golf swing, and therebybeing able to adjust accordingly. The result, among other things, is anincreased control and better overall performance because, among otherreasons, the golfer will be able to quickly identify a critical problemand focus his or her attention on resolving this problem of the golfclub slipping during the golf swing.

Golf glove embodiments are significantly different than prior artbecause they provide a golfer with a glove that offers, among otherthings, an immediate feedback mechanism. The glove provides thisfeedback mechanism by lessening the skin sensitivities outside of theedge of the golf glove, or conversely, it heightens the exposed palmskin along the edge (because of the open and exposed area principallyalong the edge of the palm), creating an extreme difference in tactilesensitivities with the exposed palm edge relative to the areasurrounding the open area caused by the one large recess, which iscovered by the material forming the glove body.

This, in turn, makes it possible to ‘feel’ if the individual is swingingthe golf club using bad form and when he is using proper form; if thegolf club touches the skin of the palm (via the exposed edge) then heused improper form but if the club did not touch the skin then properform was executed.

In order to perform the intended function it is critical that locationand size of the one large recess be accurately considered. In otherwords, if the one large recess is not of substantial size for the nowexposed palm skin to touch a golf club, the embodiment would be renderedunable to perform its intended function. The ability of the skin of theexposed area created by the one large recess allows the wearer to getimmediate feedback by the heightened tactile sensitivities now that thegolf club can directly touch the now exposed skin.

Likewise, the one large recess cannot be significantly larger as itwould also significantly diminish its unique capabilities captured fromits unique combinations and synergies captured. For example, thestrategically placed one large recess is such that the golf club doesnot touch the exposed skin unless the golf club has moved down the palmof the wearer's hand during the golf swing. If the one large recess issubstantially larger or positioned to extend along the wearer'smetacarpophalangeal joints, then the golf club would touch the exposedskin even though the golf club is in fact being gripped properly.Indeed, one of the surprising benefits of having immediate feedback hasto do with heightened tactile sensitivities both because only a specificpalm area is substantially exposed, as opposed to being covered by theglove material, and because of the significant tactile differencesbetween the exposed skin and the surrounding palm area which is coveredby the glove material; this major difference in tactile sensitivitiesmake it possible to quickly sense if the golf club suddenly touches theexposed skin.

In fact, as aforementioned, it is important that the only one largerecess not extend to expose any of the wearer's metacarpophalangealswhen the glove is worn. The forefinger metacarpophalangeal, for example,plays a major role in weak hand grip and control so exposing a portionof the forefinger metacarpophalangeal of the wearer's hand wouldsubstantially diminish the present invention's intended function.

The present invention also provides substantial benefits than prior artgeneric open palm gloves by isolating and targeting a key area andthereby offering surprising results:

-   -   An aid whereby the uses can better feel when the hand in good        grip position throughout the swing;    -   Immediate feedback if the golf club moves during a golf swing;    -   Better ability to notice if a golf club moves, especially during        the downswing or the unhinging of the wrists;    -   A unique ability to have better feel on the weak hand and        therefore better overall feel because can feel with both hands        and therefore throughout the entire two hand grip.

Embodiments of the present invention are also substantially andsignificantly unique as they have solved a previously insoluble problemwith sport gloves, for example, thereby changing the way the sport ofbasketball can now be played.

Individuals who play basketball have to ‘feel’ as well as control a ballto perform effectively and although they too can significantly enhanceperformance in controlling a ball by using grip enhancers, prior artforces them to choose between all feel (and therefore, no glove) or nofeel, and thereby being able to use a glove. These players wouldsubstantially benefit from developing a way to maintain feel whileincreasing grip capabilities in select areas of the hand, therebysolving this significant issue. This insoluble problem can now be solvedby embodiments of the present invention.

One embodiment that would help a player to shoot better comprises aglove where the palm area of the hand is uncovered or open by the onelarge recess, but only in a specially located region of the middle palmarea described above as the shooters gap. For all basketball players,but especially for those who cannot generally shoot a basketball verywell, the partially-open palm glove—by providing only one large recessof substantial size to enable skin contact through the recess with abasketball—allows a wearer to feel when they're shooting incorrectly (ifthe basketball touches around the center of the palm area whileattempting a shot at the basket, then there is no shooter's gap, and istherefore generally considered as using bad shooting form). This wouldespecially be true when shooting a basketball from the free-throw lineor outside of the perimeter. Eventually, these athletes may not needthis embodiment for shooting once they understand and learn to maintaintheir shooter's gap throughout the basketball shot. The open palm fromthe only one large recess would also allow for some ventilation as well.The benefits of this glove include the ability to enhance the sensesaround the uncovered palm (relative to the other parts of the hand whichare covered by glove body) so that the basketball player could moreeasily know when the basketball is touching the palm, generallyindicating bad shooting form. The palm opening can vary in size andshape as long as it doesn't extend significantly beyond the middle ofthe palm area, thereby only exposing the shooter's gap region along thewearer's palm.

The glove is significantly different than prior art because it providesa basketball player with a glove that offers, among other things, animmediate feedback mechanism. The glove provides this feedback mechanismby lessening the skin sensitivities outside of the shooter's gap regionby covering it with the glove body, while heightening the palm skinlocated on the shooter' gap region (principally along the middle of thepalm because of the open area caused by the only one large recess). Theresulting tactile sensitivities differential creates an immediatefeedback mechanism by making it possible to jeer when she is shooting abasketball using bad form and when she is using proper form; if thebasketball touches the skin of the palm (via the exposed palm) then sheused improper form but if the basketball did not touch the skin thenproper form was executed. Therefore, it is important that the one largerecess not extend beyond the critical area.

In order to perform the intended function in the sport of basketball itis critical that location and size of the one large recess be accuratelyconsidered. In other words, if the one large recess is not ofsubstantial size for the now exposed palm skin to touch a basketball,the embodiment would be rendered unable to perform its intendedfunction. The ability of the skin of the exposed area created by the onelarge recess allows the wearer to get immediate feedback by theheightened tactile sensitivities now that the basketball can directlytouch the now exposed skin.

Likewise, the one large recess cannot be significantly larger as itwould also significantly diminish its unique capabilities captured fromits unique combinations and synergies captured. For example, thestrategically placed one large recess is such that the basketball shouldnot touch the exposed skin unless the basketball has violated theshooter's gap region when preparing to shoot or when shooting thebasketball. If the one large recess is substantially larger orpositioned to extend along the wearer's metacarpophalangeal joints, thenthe basketball would touch the exposed skin even though the basketballis in fact properly held and shot. Indeed, one of the surprisingbenefits of having immediate feedback has to do with heightened tactilesensitivities both because only a specific palm area is substantiallyexposed, as opposed to being covered by the glove material, and becausethe significant tactile differences between the exposed skin and thesurrounding palm area, which is cove red by the material forming theglove body; this major difference in tactile sensitivities make itpossible to quickly sense if the basketball suddenly touches the exposedskin.

In fact, as aforementioned, it is important that the only one largerecess not extend to expose any of the wearer's metacarpophalangealswhen the glove is worn. The forefinger metacarpophalangeal, for example,plays a major role in controlling and shooting a basketball so exposingthe forefinger metacarpophalangeal of the wearer's hand wouldsubstantially diminish the present invention's intended function.

Embodiments could have different lengths and shapes within the scope ofthe invention. For example, embodiments may have a lightbulb shapedesign, narrowing down through the heel crease (closely following thelifeline), the length of the embodiment may be close to 2 inches but thewidth would vary from about 1.5 inches, near but not exposing the topportion of the glove body palmar portion, and narrowing to practically 2centimeters near the end of the wrist crease, for example.

One of the surprising results is that the glove will give the basketballplayer the ability to put more backspin on the basketball when shootingthe basketball. More backspin would, of course, give the ball theability of bouncing around the hoop if the basket is not initially made,and providing more of what is commonly known as ‘a shooters touch’. Theability of the wearer to have more backspin would be uniquely created bythe glove palmar portion having a top portion that covers themetacarpophalangeal joints of the wearer's fingers in their entiretythus creating increased grip capabilities along the joints that cancreate the backspin.

A new method of shooting a basketball is hereby asserted whereby aplayer can place an embodiment on her shooting hand, shoot a basketballin her preferred manner, and immediately upon shooting the ball, she canquickly and easily determine if she used proper shooting form by notallowing the basketball to touch the exposed middle area of her palm.After determining whether the shooters gap was maintained in her shot byrecalling if the exposed skin touched the basketball anytime during hershot, she can then continue to discern if other aspects of her shootingform were properly executed such as follow-through, releasing the ballat the right moment, etc. If the basketball did touch her exposed palmskin, however, she would immediately know that she shot the basketballimproperly, in which case she would adjust her shot and try again. Acritical benefit here is the ability to quickly assess her shot andtherefore able to adjust accordingly. The result, among other things,would be an increased shooting percentage and better overall performancebecause, not only would she be able to adjust her shot with moresuccess, but she would also benefit from the grip enhancing ability thata glove would provide to the other areas of her hand that are nowcovered by a glove.

The glove is significantly different than prior art because it providesa basketball player with a glove that offers, among other things, animmediate feedback mechanism. The glove provides this feedback mechanismby lessening the skin sensitivities outside of the shooter's gap region,or conversely, it heightens the exposed palm skin (because of the openarea principally along the middle of the palm) relative to the areaoutside of the open area which is covered by the material forming theglove body, thereby making it easy to ‘feel’ if the individual isshooting, dribbling or catching a basketball using bad form. Therefore,it is important that the one large recess not extend beyond the criticalarea or that there be multiple large recesses of substantial size toenable skin contact of the wearer's palm with the basketball. Multiplelarge recesses of this size would cause unnecessary confusion as thewearer would no longer know based on tactile feel whether improperbasketball shooting form was performed, thus significantly diminishingits intended function.

One often sees basketball players using cotton wrist bands so that theycan wipe their hands of perspiration during game play to better ensurethat they will not mishandle the basketball, and affectionately becalled ‘butterfingers.’ This is especially important in shooting abasketball. The present invention will now allow a wearer to playbasketball with a glove thereby significantly diminishing the need touse cotton wrist bands by now allowing the basketball player to now weara glove, thus solving a previously insoluble problem.

For example, as previously mentioned, proper shooting generally requiresthat one adheres to certain shooting mechanics. If the basketballtouches the middle of the palm area during a shot, it is generallyconsidered bad shooting form. With the basketball glove embodiments, aplayer could practice shooting with, say FIG. 1, and if there is even aslight violation, and the player unintentionally allows the ball totouch the center area of the palm, the player would immediately feel it,and then adjust accordingly. Embodiments are significantly differentthan palmless gloves in that by concentrating and limiting the palmlessarea opening to the shooters gap region, embodiments provide new andsurprising results—immediate feedback on proper shooting and dribblingform. This is also one of the primary reasons why the more genericfull-fingered gloves are not used in basketball today because this needto feel and adjust is critical. In other words, if the one large recessof basketball glove embodiments extended to expose most or the entirepalm of the wearer's palm, the wearer would not be able to feel whethershe shot the basketball using proper form even if the basketball touchedher skin as the basketball is supposed to some aspects of the palm. Forexample, if the metacarpophalangeal joints are exposed in addition tothe middle of the palm area, the result would significantly diminish theintended function of the glove because if the basketball were to thentouch the skin of the wearer's palm she would not immediately andclearly know whether she used proper shooting form; proper basketballshooting form requires the skin of her metacarpophalangeal joint totouch the basketball while touching the skin of the middle area of thepalm indicates improper shooting form. Therefore the wearer would noteasily discern proper versus improper shooting form simply by whetherskin contact along the palm was made if the one large recess exposesessentially more than the shooter's gap region when the glove is worn.

Basketball players have also chosen not to use generic palmless glovesas well. If one were to compare the features that this invention offers,to those of prior art, such as Eyman or Mosley, one would immediatelysee the significant and substantial differences. The present inventionprovides an immediate feedback mechanism if someone is shootingimproperly; Eyman and Mosley do not. The present invention provides animmediate feedback mechanism if someone is dribbling a basketballimproperly; Eyman and Mosley do not. Eyman and Mosley do not offer thesebecause they did not discover that, although a partial palmless glovecould offer these benefits, it could only be done if one were to leaveonly a specific range of the palm open.

Embodiments also satisfy long felt needs when it comes to dribbling abasketball. According to the book “Basketball for High School Playersand Coaches,” (1955) Carl Bachman describes proper fundamentals ofbasketball dribbling: “Certain fundamentals apply to all phases of ballhandling: Looseness of finger and wrist action is important, practicespinning the ball on fingertips; a basketball should never touch theheel of the hand and seldom, if ever, touch the palm.” One embodiment ofthe present invention comprises of an all open-fingered, partially openpalm glove for either the strong-hand or the weak-hand. Embodiments mayhave a radius of up to about 0.75 inches or so, with the midpoint in theexact middle of the palm (the inventors palm, for example, is 4 inchesin length and approximately 3 inches in width. So the midpoint in theinventors hand would be 2 inches below the digital crease area and 1.5inches across the edge of the palm). These embodiments could help adribbler develop and use proper dribbling form, especially on herweak-hand. This embodiment would more generally help any player, andlikely could be used, for example, by those playing the position ofGuard while practicing proper dribbling on their strong-hand, as well asForwards and Centers during actual game play for added support on theirweak-hand.

Another embodiment for basketball play is in the form of an allpartially-open fingered, partially open palm glove. The palm area wouldmuch more narrowly uncovered, say one inch in length and 0.5 inch inwidth. Additionally, it could have grip enhancing element along the topportion of the palm area. This embodiment would give a basketball playerthe ability to better catch a ball, thus eliminating the consistentproblem often found in Forwards and Centers losing control of passes.The embodiment would also provide a player with a stronger grip on theball when passing a ball as well as provide some moisture managementcontrol, thus minimizing turnovers often caused by passers, especiallyin Guards. The grip enhancers could comprise PVC dots to provide addgrip support, while the shooters gap opening would still allow forsensitivities necessary in shooting success. The narrow or smalleropening would then alert the wearer that the shooters gap had beenviolated but only if the violation was severe (i.e., she was nearlypalming the ball). This might also be a preferred embodiment for thoseplayers who already have superior shooting form. Lebron James, forexample, is a professional basketball player who has superior shootingform. History shows, however, that in the fourth quarter of a game, evenhis shooting performance may wane, and he has to quickly assess whatpart of his shooting mechanics is not being properly executed. Thisembodiment would give Mr. James the necessary feeling required if hesuddenly violates the shooters gap, but again only if the violation isfairly significant. Additionally, many players, including Mr. James, usetalcum powder on their hands to ensure they can better catch and controla ball. This embodiment would be a significant improvement to thecurrent method of talcum powder by offering a grip enhancer to the handwith this embodiment.

Among the many benefits that embodiments of the present invention offerare that they allow a wearer to:

-   -   Maintain feel in the key areas of the middle of the palm and        fingers;    -   Significantly develop proper shooting and dribbling;    -   Train to put one's hand in the perfect shooting position;    -   Increase grip of the basketball Improve overall performance in        task execution;    -   Offer more stability and control of the ball along the top        portion of the palm;    -   Create greater consistency on play execution Have less ball        mishandles;    -   Lower turnovers;    -   Result in Higher shooting percentages;    -   Offer increased grip in areas where the basketball is supposed        to touch the palm such as along the metacarpophalangeal joints.

Although the description of the present invention only discussed threesports, it is understood that other sports might benefit as well (suchas in baseball and football). In addition, only some embodiments havebeen discussed and in no way is intended to limit all the variousembodiments that the present invention provides, such as but not limitedto, different designs and recess shapes. For example, embodiments caneasily be developed for easy opening, where a part of the back of thehand opens up, using VELCRO. Additionally, these embodiments can be usedby men and women, boys and girls, as well as those that whose dominanthand is the right hand or the left. Embodiments can be used incombination with each other. Additionally, the one large recess could beof different shapes and dimensions, according to the scope of thepresent invention, and could be constructed from different fabrics, forexample, to offer a thin layered and light glove embodiment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWING

It is expressly understood that the following descriptions and drawingare for illustration purposes only, and in no way are intended to limitthe scope of the present invention and its various embodiments. Forexample, the drawings are of drawings of embodiments for the right handbut can easily be created for the left hand, and can be used by men andwomen, boy and girls.

FIG. 1 is a drawing of a first embodiment, palmar side.

FIG. 2 is a drawing of a second embodiment, palmar side.

FIG. 3 is a drawing of a third embodiment, palmar side.

FIG. 4 is a drawing of a fourth embodiment, palmar side.

FIG. 5 is a drawing of a fifth embodiment, palmar side.

FIG. 6 is a drawing of a sixth embodiment, palmar side.

FIG. 7 is a related art drawing showing where the hand of a quarterbackgenerally touches a football.

FIG. 8 is a related art drawing showing the three basic ways a golf clubcrosses the palm area of a golfer's hand.

FIG. 9 is another related art drawing showing locations where abasketball should touch the palm, from a referenced source.

FIG. 10 is a dorsal side drawing of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is a dorsal side drawing of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 12 is a dorsal side drawing of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 13 is a dorsal side drawing of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 14 is a dorsal side drawing of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 15 is a dorsal side drawing of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

It is expressly understood that the drawings are for the purpose ofillustration and description only and are not intended as a definitionof the limits of the invention.

In FIG. 1 & FIG. 10, the present invention is shown as apartial-fingered, partial-palm sports glove embodiment 1. The glovecould be made of any appropriate materials aforementioned to offermoisture and perspiration resistance. The thumb is entirely covered bythe glove thumb stall 9. The wearer's middle finger 11, ring finger 16and pinkie finger 12 are each entirely uncovered by the glove.

Substantially the middle of the palm is uncovered 13 by providing onlyone large recess or opening that is adapted to extend substantiallyalong the middle of the glove body palmar portion and enabling skincontact of the now exposed skin with a basketball when the glove isworn. The recess 13 extending over the wearer's palm leaves uncoveredthe center of the palm 100 and extends all the way down to the heelcrease area 14. The recess narrows down 116 as it approaches the wristcrease 101 such that the width at the distal end is at least about halfof the width than the width at the proximal end of the recess. Thisembodiment leaves only one large recess 13, which could be usedparticularly during drills, whereby even a slight violation can be feltthrough the exposed skin by allowing the basketball to touch the palmarea the exposed palm skin. This embodiment has a palmar portion that isreinforced 105 with a second material such as a synthetic leather or aurethane material along the top portion 104 of the palm—defined as themetacarpophalangeal joints of the wearer's pinkie finger, ring finger,middle finger and forefinger 104—thereby significantly increasingcontrol of a basketball. The reinforced second material does extendbeyond the top portion, and may also comprise of a grip-enhancing ofmaterials forms and designs such as, but not limited to, grooves, foams,fabrics or combinations thereof, creating a higher coefficient offriction than the surrounding material forming the glove body palmarportion.

One of the surprising results of covering as well as reinforcing the topportion is that it will give the basketball player the ability to putmore backspin on the basketball when shooting the basketball. Morebackspin would, of course, give the ball the ability of bouncing aroundthe hoop if the basket is not initially made, and providing more of whatis commonly known as ‘a shooters touch’. The ability of the wearer tohave more backspin would be uniquely created by the glove palmar portionhaving a top portion that covers the metacarpophalangeal joints of thewearer's fingers in their entirety thus creating increased gripcapabilities along the joints that can create the backspin.

The novel features of this embodiment allow a player to focus herattention on maintaining a shooter's gap while attempting a shot, andprovides for instant feedback if said shooter's gap region is breachedand the shot violates the shooter's gap and touches the open area of thepalm exposed by the one large recess 13. The palmar (front) view of theglove 1 is drawn in FIG. 1 and the dorsal (back) view of the same gloveis drawn in FIG. 10.

In more technical terms, the embodiment glove body has a palmar portion106 that overlays the wearer's palm and a dorsal portion 107 thatoverlays the back of the wearer's hand. The glove body palmar portion106 has only one large recess 13 that exposes a portion of the palm ofsubstantial size to enable the exposed palm skin to touch a basketballwhen the glove is worn. The only one large recess 13 extending over thewearer's palm of the present invention does not extend to expose themetacarpophalangeal joint of the pinkie finger, the metacarpophalangealjoint of the ring finger, the metacarpophalangeal joint of the middlefinger or the metacarpophalangeal joint of the forefinger—also known anddefined as the top portion 104 of the glove palmar portion of thepresent invention. In addition, the only one large recess is positionedalong the glove palmar portion such that it does not extend to exposethe thumb metacarpal 108 when the glove is worn.

The only one large recess 13 is positioned to extend principally alongthe middle of the glove body palmar portion and is adapted to expose atleast a substantial portion of the wearer's middle finger metacarpal 109when the glove is worn. A portion of the wearer's ring finger metacarpal110 is also exposed by the one large recess along the glove body palmarportion.

The one large recess thereby exposes the middle area of the wearer'spalm and is of substantial size to allow the now exposed skin to touch abasketball when the glove is worn.

By enabling the skin of the wearer's middle area of the palm, the sportsglove now, as aforementioned, provides for instant feedback if theshooter's gap is breached. The one large recess is the only recess ofsubstantial size to enable skin contact of the wearer's palm by abasketball when the glove worn. The only one large recess may extend outto abut but does not essentially expose the thumb bulge 111 of thewearer's palm. The one large recess may extend out to abut but does notexpose any of the wearer's pinkie metacarpophalangeal joint, ringmetacarpophalangeal joint, middle finger metacarpophalangeal joint,forefinger metacarpophalangeal joint, and thumb metacarpophalangealjoint 104 when the glove is worn. The glove body palmar portiontherefore overlays the thumb bulge 111 as well as the pinkiemetacarpophalangeal joint, ring metacarpophalangeal joint, middle fingermetacarpophalangeal joint, forefinger metacarpophalangeal joint, andthumb metacarpophalangeal joint 104 when the glove is worn.

The glove is significantly different than prior art because it providesa basketball player with a glove that offers, an immediate feedbackmechanism. The glove provides this feedback mechanism by lessening theskin sensitivities outside of the shooter's gap region by covering itwith the material forming the glove body, while relatively heighteningthe palm skin located on the shooter' gap region (principally along themiddle of the palm) because of the open area caused by the only onelarge recess. The resulting tactile sensitivities differential createsan immediate feedback mechanism by making it possible to jeer when sheis shooting a basketball using improper shooting form; if the basketballtouches the skin of the palm (via the exposed palm) then that means sheused improper form, but if the basketball did not touch the skin thenproper shooting form was executed. Therefore, it is important that theone large recess not extend beyond the critical area of the shooter'sgap region.

In order to perform the intended function it is critical that locationand size of the one large recess be accurately considered. In otherwords, if the one large recess is not of substantial size for the nowexposed palm skin to touch a basketball, the embodiment would berendered unable to perform its intended function. The ability of theskin of the exposed area created by the one large recess allows thewearer to get immediate feedback by the heightened tactile sensitivitiesnow that the basketball can directly touch the exposed skin of themiddle of the palm.

Likewise, the one large recess cannot be significantly larger as itwould also significantly diminish its unique capabilities captured fromits unique combinations and synergies captured. For example, thestrategically placed one large recess is such that the basketball shouldnot touch the exposed skin unless the basketball has violated theshooter's gap region when preparing to shoot or when shooting thebasketball. If the one large recess is substantially larger orpositioned to extend along the wearer's metacarpophalangeal joints, thenthe basketball would touch the exposed skin even though the basketballis in fact being held and shot properly. Indeed, one of the surprisingbenefits of having immediate feedback has to do with heightened tactilesensitivities both because only a specific palm area is substantiallyexposed, as opposed to being covered by the glove material, and becausethe significant tactile differences between the exposed skin compared tothe surrounding palm area, which is covered by the glove material (andthereby unable to touch the basketball); this major difference intactile sensitivities make it possible to quickly sense if thebasketball suddenly touches the exposed skin. Therefore, it is importantthat the one large recess not extend beyond the critical area or thatthere be more than a multiple large recesses of substantial size toenable skin contact of the wearer's palm with the basketball. Multiplelarge recesses of this size would cause unnecessary confusion as thewearer would no longer know based on tactile feel whether improperbasketball shooting form was performed, thus significantly diminishingits intended function.

In fact, as aforementioned, it is important that the only one largerecess not extend to expose any of the wearer's metacarpophalangealswhen the glove is worn. The pinkie finger metacarpophalangeal and thumbmetacarpophalangeal, for example, can play a major role when control andshooting a basketball so exposing the pinkie finger metacarpophalangealor thumb metacarpophalangeal of the wearer's hand would substantiallydiminish the present invention's intended function.

The embodiment may further comprise micro recesses along the glove bodypalmar and dorsal portions, for moisture management purposes as long as,of course, these micro recesses are not of substantial size to enableskin contact with a basketball. These micro recesses are generally about0.120 millimeters or so in diameter, but certainly not large enough toenable skin contact with a basketball as that would then make theembodiment unable to complete its intended function.

Furthermore, the one large recess is preferably also reinforced,preferably by stitching or by hot sealing 112. Constant movement of thewearer's hand increases stress on the integrity of the glove by thecontinual rubbing and twisting of the one recess when engaging anddisengaging a basketball. Therefore the stitching can encircle the onelarge recess along its edge in order to be effective at preventingtearing along the one large recess. Additionally or alternatively, theone large recess may be sealed. When cutting certain materials such assynthetic materials including synthetic leather it is virtuallyimpossible to keep the edges from fraying and splitting, or fromallowing atmospheric moisture to enter into the material through theformed edges, thereby eroding and destroying the glove material.Therefore it is preferable that the one large recess edge be stitched orpermanently sealed, preferably by hot knife sealing. The industrial hotknife is preferably used to melt the fabric edge of the one large recesssuch that the one large recess is sealed thereby preventing fraying,fabric splitting, and atmospheric moisture from entering into the glovebody material through the one recess. If the one large recess is notsealed this portion may fray or split eroding the integrity of the glovestructure and its valuable and unique benefits to the wearer. Hot knifesealing will also create a smooth finish along the entire one largerecess edge. Hot knife sealing can only be performed on certainmaterials such as synthetic leathers and plastics otherwise the materialwill burn and cause harm to the glove structure. Cotton material forexample will burn and therefore hot knife sealing cannot be performed onthat type of material in which case stitching may be more appropriate.Natural materials such as cotton and genuine leather will not hot knifeseal well, burning the material and often destroying the glove. It istherefore preferable that at least the materials forming the one largerecess edge be formed of an appropriate material and considered.

If the glove body is formed of a rubber or neoprene material, thenfraying may not be an issue or course and may not need reinforcement.

In addition, the embodiment has a highlighted area 113 along theperimeter 114 of the one large recess so that trainers can more easilysee if a shooting violation is taking place. Preferably the entireperimeter of the one large recess is highlighted with a bright materialor coating, such as a fluorescent coating 115, in order to be capable ofbeing seen from a distance when a basketball is being properly held onthe wearer's shooting hand when the glove is worn. The one large recessnarrows down 116 as it approaches the wrist crease 101 so that it has asmaller width at the distal end 117 compared to at the proximal end 118.As such, the fluorescent portion, for example, can follow along in thesame or generally similar pattern as long as it is near to the one largerecess to thereby highlight the exposed area.

Additional descriptions of this embodiment, including glove body dorsalportion elements are provided in the description of FIG. 10 of thisspecification.

In FIG. 2 & FIG. 11, the present invention is shown as a partial-palmglove 2. This embodiment can be made of polyester and cotton forsuperior comfort, of perspirant-resistant materials such as spandex, orof weather-resistant and perspirent-resistant forms and designsincluding water-resistant materials 224 such as a polyurethane or holedesigns for moisture management, or combinations thereof, or of otherstandard materials such as those aforementioned. The glove is configuredsuch that the wearer's thumb 20 and forefinger 23 are each entirelyuncovered by the glove. In other words, the distal and proximalphalanges of the wearer's thumb are all exposed, and the distal, middleand proximal phalanges of the wearer's forefinger are entirely exposedwhen the glove is worn. In addition, the middle finger 21 and ringfinger 26 are all also essentially completely uncovered when the gloveis worn. The glove is further configured such that the middle area ofthe palm 22 is open by only one large recess extending along the glovebody palmar portion 231. The one large recess 230 is substantially onthe middle of the palm area 22, having a radius of up to about one inch,for example, thereby defining the boundary of the palm openingsubstantially on the middle of the wearer's palm. Similar embodimentscould range from 0.5 to 1.25 approximately inches in radius. Thisembodiment could be used in actual basketball game play, where theplayer would be alerted if she or he was using severe improper form byproviding the exposed palm portion along the wearer's hand.

Furthermore, the embodiment may have a grip enhancing means or bereinforced by a second material across the top portion of the glove bodypalmar portion, or both, to increase grip and minimize erosion along thetop of the wearer's palm. The grip enhancing means are adapted toprovide a higher coefficient of friction than the surrounding glove bodysurface. For example, the embodiment has a palmar portion that isreinforced 269 with a second material such as a synthetic leather or arubber material along the top portion of the palm—defined as themetacarpophalangeal joints of the wearer's pinkie finger, ring finger,middle finger and forefinger—thereby significantly increasing control ofa basketball. The reinforced layer is further coated with a gripenhancing means, such as a PVC coating, a latex coating or a siliconecoating 269 creates a higher coefficient of friction than thesurrounding glove body palmar portion, thereby increasing the gripcapabilities of the wearer along said palmar top portion when the gloveis worn. The grip enhancing means is adapted to not extend beyond saidglove palmar top portion so that the remaining palmar portion is free ofsaid grip enhancing means. The glove may also comprise of othergrip-enhancing of materials forms and designs such as grooves, foams,fabrics or combinations thereof, creating a higher coefficient offriction than the surrounding material forming the glove body palmarportion.

The one large recess is circular in shape 234 having a proximal edge anda distal edge, the proximal edge is adapted to abut but not expose a topportion of the wearer's palm, thereby not exposing the wearer'smetacarpophalangeal joints of the wearer's pinkie finger, ring finger,middle finger or forefinger when the glove is worn. The one large recessis the only large recess along the glove body palmar portion ofsubstantial size to enable the wearer's palm to touch a basketball withthe skin of the skin when the glove is worn.

This embodiment is useful with actual game play by its unique glovestructure by exposing a critical portion of the middle of the wearer'spalm as well as by exposing the wearer's finger tips. In other words, atleast the distal phalanx of the pinkie finger, at least the distalphalanx of the ring finger, and at least the distal phalanx of themiddle finger are each completely exposed when the glove is worn.

The palmar (front) view of the glove 2 is drawn in FIG. 2 and the dorsal(back) view of the same glove is drawn in FIG. 11. In more technicalterms, the embodiment glove body has a palmar portion 231 that overlaysthe wearer's palm and a dorsal portion 232 that overlays the back of thewearer's hand. The glove body palmar portion has only one large recess230 that exposes a portion of the palm of substantial size to enable theexposed palm skin to touch a basketball when the glove is worn. The onlyone large recess extending over the wearer's palm of the presentinvention does not extend to expose the metacarpophalangeal joint of thepinkie finger, the metacarpophalangeal joint of the ring finger, themetacarpophalangeal joint of the middle finger or themetacarpophalangeal joint of the forefinger—also known and defined asthe top portion 233 of the glove body palmar portion of the presentinvention. In addition, the only one large recess is positioned alongthe glove palmar portion such that it does not extend to expose thethumb metacarpal 235 when the glove is worn.

The only one large recess 230 of the embodiment is positioned to extendprincipally along the middle of the glove body palmar portion and isadapted to expose at least a substantial portion of the wearer's middlefinger metacarpal 263 when the glove is worn. A portion of the wearer'sring finger metacarpal 237 is also exposed by the one large recess alongthe glove body palmar portion. The one large recess thereby exposes themiddle area of the wearer's palm and is of substantial size to allow thenow exposed skin to touch a basketball when the glove is worn.

By exposing the skin of the wearer's middle area of the palm, the sportsglove now, as aforementioned, provides for instant feedback if theshooters gap is breached. The one large recess is the only recess ofsubstantial size to enable skin contact of the wearer's palm when theglove worn. The only one large recess may extend out to abut but doesnot essentially expose the thumb bulge 280 of the wearer's palm,certainly not exposing any portion of the thumb metacarpal. The onelarge recess may extend out to abut but does not expose any of thewearer's pinkie metacarpophalangeal joint, ring metacarpophalangealjoint, middle finger metacarpophalangeal joint, forefingermetacarpophalangeal joint, and thumb metacarpophalangeal joint 233 whenthe glove is worn. The glove body palmar portion therefore overlays thethumb bulge as well as the pinkie metacarpophalangeal joint, ringmetacarpophalangeal joint, middle finger metacarpophalangeal joint,forefinger metacarpophalangeal joint, and thumb metacarpophalangealjoint when the glove is worn.

The glove is significantly different than prior art because it providesa basketball player with a glove that offers an immediate feedbackmechanism. The glove provides this feedback mechanism by lessening theskin sensitivities outside of the shooter's gap region by covering itwith the material forming the glove body, while relatively heighteningthe palm skin sensitivities located within the shooter' gap region(principally along the middle of the palm) because of the open areacaused by the only one large recess. The resulting tactile sensitivitiesdifferential creates an immediate feedback mechanism by making itpossible to ‘feel’ when she is shooting a basketball using impropershooting form; if the basketball touches the skin of the palm (via theexposed palm) then that means she used improper form, but if thebasketball did not touch the skin then proper form was executed.Therefore, it is important that the one large recess not extend beyondthe critical area of the shooter's gap region.

In order to perform the intended function it is critical that locationand size of the one large recess be accurately considered. In otherwords, if the one large recess is not of substantial size for the nowexposed palm skin to touch a basketball, the embodiment would berendered unable to perform its intended function. The ability of theskin of the exposed area created by the one large recess allows thewearer to get immediate feedback by the heightened tactile sensitivitiesnow that the basketball can directly touch the exposed skin of themiddle of the palm.

Likewise, the one large recess cannot be significantly larger as itwould also significantly diminish its unique capabilities captured fromits unique combinations and synergies captured. For example, thestrategically placed one large recess is such that the basketball shouldnot touch the exposed skin unless the basketball has violated theshooter's gap region when preparing to shoot or when shooting thebasketball. If the one large recess is substantially larger orpositioned to extend along the wearer's metacarpophalangeal joints, thenthe basketball would touch the exposed skin even though the basketballis in fact being held and shot properly. Indeed, one of the surprisingbenefits of having immediate feedback has to do with heightened tactilesensitivities both because only a specific palm area is substantiallyexposed, as opposed to being covered by the glove material, and becausethe significant tactile differences between the exposed skin compared tothe surrounding palm area, which is covered by the glove material (andthereby unable to touch the basketball); this major difference intactile sensitivities make it possible to quickly sense if thebasketball suddenly touches the exposed skin.

In fact, as aforementioned, it is important that the only one largerecess not extend to expose any of the wearer's metacarpophalangealswhen the glove is worn. The pinkie finger metacarpophalangeal and thumbmetacarpophalangeal, for example, can play a major role when control andshooting a basketball so exposing the pinkie finger metacarpophalangealor thumb metacarpophalangeal of the wearer's hand would substantiallydiminish the present invention's intended function.

An additional surprising result resulting from the unique structure ofthe embodiment is that the glove will give the basketball player theability to put more backspin on the basketball when shooting thebasketball. More backspin would, of course, give the ball the ability ofbouncing around the hoop if the basket is not initially made, andproviding more of what is commonly known as ‘a shooters touch’. Theability of the wearer to have more backspin would be uniquely created bythe glove palmar portion having a top portion that covers themetacarpophalangeal joints of the wearer's fingers in their entiretythus creating increased grip capabilities along the joints that cancreate the backspin.

The embodiment may further comprise micro recesses along the glove bodypalmar and dorsal portions, for moisture management purposes as long as,of course, these micro recesses are not of substantial size to enableskin contact with a basketball. These micro recesses are generally about0.120 millimeters or so in diameter, but certainly not large enough toenable skin contact with a basketball as that would then make theembodiment unable to complete its intended function.

Furthermore, the one large recess is preferably also reinforced,preferably by stitching 238 or by hot sealing. Constant movement of thewearer's hand increases stress on the integrity of the glove by thecontinual rubbing and twisting of the one recess when engaging anddisengaging a basketball. Therefore the stitching can encircle the onelarge recess along its edge in order to be effective at preventingtearing along the one large recess. Additionally or alternatively, theone large recess may be sealed. When cutting certain materials such assynthetic materials including synthetic leather it is virtuallyimpossible to keep the edges from fraying and splitting, or fromallowing atmospheric moisture to enter into the material through theformed edges, thereby eroding and destroying the glove material.Therefore it is preferable that the one large recess edge be stitched orpermanently sealed, preferably by hot knife sealing. The industrial hotknife is preferably used to melt the fabric edge of the one large recesssuch that the one large recess is sealed thereby preventing fraying,fabric splitting, and atmospheric moisture from entering into the glovebody material through the one recess. If the one large recess is notsealed this portion may fray or split eroding the integrity of the glovestructure and its valuable and unique benefits to the wearer. Hot knifesealing will also create a smooth finish along the entire one largerecess edge. Hot knife sealing can only be performed on certainmaterials such as synthetic leathers and plastics otherwise the materialwill burn and cause harm to the glove structure. Cotton material forexample will burn and therefore hot knife sealing cannot be performed onthat type of material in which case stitching may be more appropriate.Natural materials such as cotton and genuine leather will not hot knifeseal well, burning the material and often destroying the glove. It istherefore preferable that at least the materials forming the one largerecess edge be formed of an appropriate material. If the glove body isformed of a rubber or neoprene material, then fraying may not be anissue or course.

In addition, the embodiment has a highlighted area 239 along theperimeter of the one large recess so that trainers can more easily seeif a shooting violation is taking place while she shoots the ball.Preferably the entire perimeter of the one large recess is highlightedwith a bright material or coating, such as a fluorescent coating 241, inorder to be capable of being seen from a distance when a basketball isbeing properly held on the wearer's shooting hand when the glove isworn. The one large recess is circular in shape, such as an oval 242. Assuch, the fluorescent portion, for example, can follow along in the sameor generally similar pattern as long as it is near to the one largerecess to thereby highlight the exposed area.

The glove has an open end 244 at the wrist portion 243 of the glove. Theopen end is expansible so as to hold more securely to the wearer'swrist. The glove wrist dorsal portion has a strap means 246 forfastening the glove body secure about the wrist area, critical in sportsactivities where the wearer's hand moves very rapidly such as inbasketball for example. The strap means may comprise two pads ofcohesive-adhesive material such as VELCRO fasteners 247, 248, 249, 250or other hook and loop structures, snap buttons for releasably securingthe strap 251, for example, or other suitable closures thereon. Forexample, the strap means may comprise a flap which mechanically engagesa flap capture mechanism to secure the glove to the wearers hand (e.g.,a synthetic hook and loop fastening interface which adheres when pressedtogether, commonly using VELCRO). The strap means as well as the wristportion may be sewn onto the glove, for example.

In basketball, it is becoming critical for players to be able to shootthe basketball from long distances, as shooting the basketball from thethree point line is now commonplace for those playing the position ofGuard as well as now for Forwards and even Centers. While aim is surelyone important aspect of a successful three point shot, so is havingstronger hand muscles. The embodiment provides a structural feature of aweight or weights 253, 254, 255, whereby the wearer can now strengthenhand muscles when the glove is worn. The at least one weight 253, 254,255 may be constructed by any standard manner of making weights, such asmade of iron for example. The at least one weight may be integral ormanually removable 253, 254, 255 to the glove or using a compartment tohold the weights.

If the at least one weight is integral to the glove, then it ispreferable that the embodiment further has an interior liner such thatthe at least one weight resides between the liner and the dorsal portionsurface. In this way the wearer's skin will not touch and be cushionedby the liner 264. The liner material (or sleeve) may be comprised ofstandard lining materials, such as a smooth, flexible knitted fabric.The liner may also comprise of flexible and elastomeric material such asspandex or LYCRA. Other possible materials include a knit of polyesteror simply the same material forming the glove. A soft cellular plasticcould also be preferred. Additionally, the liner may provide addedfeatures to offer warmth and comfort such as by comprising of a fleecematerial, for example, especially useful when competing in harsherconditions or during extended practices on the golf range, for example.It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many otherimplementations of liners are possible.

If the at least one weight is manually removable 253, 254, 255, theweights may be secured by any standard fastening means, such as by acompartment 256, by magnetism or snap fastening, for example. Theillustrated embodiment shows a compartment 256 on the dorsal portion ofthe glove body. The compartment 256 secures the weights by multiple padsof cohesive-adhesive material such as VELCRO fasteners 257, 258, by snapbuttons, zippers 259, or other hook and loop structures for releasablysecuring a flap 260 such as by providing a flap 260 with a flap capturemechanism such as a hookable device such as a plastic bar 281 forexample, and VELCRO 257, 258, along with a reinforced zipper mechanism259 to enclose the weights in the compartment. The compartment of coursemust be of substantial size to enclose at least one weight in thecompartment. The compartment 256 may be structured by any standardmanner and can be constructed by any suitable materials, such as by thematerials forming the glove embodiment, such as synthetic leather orNylon, for example.

As the weights on the glove will increase the stress of movement, theembodiment has a strap means 246 for fastening the glove body secureabout the wrist area whereby the strap is of substantial size to wraparound the entire wrist of the wearer when the glove is worn. The resultof this unique feature reinforces the glove onto the wearer's hand andminimizes separation between the glove and the wearer's hand whendribbling or shooting a basketball. In other words, the extended straphas a structure that manually extends to overlay the glove body wristportion palmar and dorsal portions. The extended strap preferably hashook and loop structure fastening interfaces 248, 249, 250 which adhereswhen pressed together, commonly using VELCRO on the front and backsurfaces of the extended strap.

The glove body dorsal portion also has a slit 261. The slit allows thewearer to quickly take off or put on the glove, and doing so veryeasily. The combined features of the slit with a strap means areespecially valuable to wearers who play a sport of basketball forexample, as they allow the wearer to quickly take off or put on theglove so as not to disrupt the athlete's concentration, and doing sovery easily. The strap is positioned to extend manually over the slit.

The glove also has a distal lateral edge, wherein the glove body palmarportion and the glove body dorsal portion meet at the distal lateraledge. One or a plurality of digital segments may project from the distallateral edge of the body. A terminal edge 270 is formed at the distallateral edge creating individual digital ringlets 271, 272, 273, 274such that a finger can extend past the terminal edge to completelyexpose the finger when the glove is worn. A terminal edge formed at thedistal lateral edge of the embodiment creates separate ringlets 271,272, 273, 274 such that a forefinger 23, a middle finger 21, and a ringfinger 26 can each individually extend past the terminal edge tocompletely expose the forefinger, middle finger, ring finger, and pinkiefinger when the glove is worn. Preferably, each ringlet is stitched orhot sealed to keep the embodiment from fraying.

In FIG. 3 & FIG. 12, the present invention is shown as an allopen-fingered glove 3. The inside palm area is uncovered 31 and is adiamond shape 130, yet still substantially in the middle of the palmarea of the wearer's hand when the glove is worn. It follows the edge ofthe thumb bulge but not on it 32. Furthermore, it is bounded by thepalmar digital crease area 33 and the hypothenar eminence 34. Inaddition, it can have a highlighted area along the perimeter of theopening 35, so that trainers can more easily see if violation takingplace, such as a fluorescent coating for example. This embodiment canfurther comprise of other various types of materials, forms, and designsaforementioned including stretch materials and designs, mesh fabrics,recycled and flexible materials, cottons, rayon, spandex, fleece,leathers and synthetic leathers, rubbers, plastics, polyester, orcombinations thereof. This embodiment might be particularly attractiveto the amateur and intermediate basketball players who want to ensureproper shooting form is being executed. Additionally, these playerswould also appreciate the grip enhancer capabilities having a gripenhancer 236 along the top portion 331 of the glove body palmar portion,where the basketball often touches the hand and is used to maneuver thebasketball.

FIG. 4 & FIG. 13 show an embodiment as a partial-palmless glove 4. Theembodiment glove body has a palmar portion that overlays the wearer'spalm and a dorsal portion that overlays the back of the wearer's hand.The palmar (front) view of the glove is drawn in FIG. 4 and the dorsal(back) view of the same glove is drawn in FIG. 13.

The glove body palmar portion overlaying the wearer's palm has only onelarge recess 45 that exposes a portion of the palm to enable the exposedskin to touch a golf club when the glove is worn. The only one largerecess is positioned near the edge 461 of the glove body palmar portionand is adapted to expose at least a portion of the pinkie fingermetacarpal 447 when the glove is worn. The only one large recessextending over the wearer's palm of the embodiment does not extend toexpose the metacarpophalangeal joint of the pinkie finger, themetacarpophalangeal joint of the ring finger, the metacarpophalangealjoint of the middle finger and the metacarpophalangeal joint of theforefinger—also known and defined as the top portion 445 of the glovepalmar portion of the present invention. In addition, the only one largerecess is positioned along the glove palmar portion such that it doesnot extend to expose the thumb metacarpal 446 to maintain necessary gripcapabilities along the top portion while increasing tactilesensitivities along the palm during sports play.

The glove body palmar portion has only one large recess 45 that exposesa portion of the palm of substantial size to enable the exposed palmskin to touch a golf club when the glove is worn.

By exposing a substantial portion of the skin of the wearer's pinkiemetacarpal area of the palm to allow skin contact with a golf club, thesports glove now, as aforementioned provides for instant feedback if thegolf club substantial slips down the pinkie finger metacarpal during agolfer's downswing and the re by touching the exposed skin, indicatingpoor golf swing execution. This is primarily due to the heightenedtactile sensitivity of the exposed skin relative to the surrounding palmarea which is covered by the glove body. The one large recess is theonly recess of substantial size to enable skin contact of the wearer'spalm to touch a golf club when the glove worn.

The thumb 40, forefinger 41 and middle fingers 42 are essentiallyentirely covered when the glove is worn. The ring finger 43 and pinkiefinger 44 are also completely covered when the glove is worn.Furthermore, the palm is partially open 45 with one large recess 45 ofsubstantial size to enable the exposed skin by the recess to touch agolf club if the golf club moves during a golf swing. This embodiment isespecially valuable to those golfers who grip a golf club positionedalong the ‘N’ path 82 as shown in FIG. 8, and as previously discussed.Note that the top of the grip 200 lies above the hypothenar muscle bulgeand that it lies in the lower palm between the hypothenar eminence 441and the base of the middle finger 442. Note that the grip also liesdiagonally across the lower palm so that it crosses the proximal phalanxof the middle finger. When the fingers are closed around the golf clubhandle, three fingers (middle finger, ring finger and pinkie finger) ofthe non-dominant hand—the non-dominant hand—(3rd, 4th, 5th fingers) areprimarily responsible for gripping the club grip firmly in the lefthand. The index finger lies more loosely across the grip. One shouldremember that the non-dominant hand golf grip is primarily athree-finger grip, and not a palm grip. The non-dominant 3rd, 4th and5th fingers are primarily responsible for gripping the club, and thegrip pressure should be firm—it should not be possible to pull the gripend of the club out of the non-dominant hand if another person pulls onthe club head end of the club, and it should not be possible for thatperson to twist the club in one's one-dominant hand if he attempts totwist the club head end of the club. A golfer must maintain a solid handgrip (using the dominant 3rd, 4th and 5th fingers) should always befirm. The one large recess is positioned along the glove body palmarportion such that it resides below the golf club positioned below the‘N’ path. The wearer would then immediately feel if the golf clubslipped below the ‘N’ path position during the golf downswing,indicating poor swing fundamentals.

The embodiment can comprise of various a weather-resistant andperspirant-resistant materials, forms and designs including, but notlimited to, water-resistant materials or hole designs for moisturemanagement, or combinations thereof and aforementioned. A suitablematerial would be Cabretta leather, for example.

Referring more technically to the embodiment drawing, the palmar (front)view of the glove is drawn in FIG. 4 and the dorsal (back) view of thesame glove is drawn in FIG. 13. This partial-palmless embodimentprovides a glove body having a dorsal portion 440, a palmar portion 47for overlaying respective back and palm regions of a human hand, saiddorsal and palmar portions having distal and proximal ends with aplurality of digital segments (or stalls) projecting from said distalends. A critical portion of the wearer's palm is open and thereforeuncovered by the one large recess 45 when the glove is worn therebyexposing the skin and significantly increasing tactile sensations alongthe exposed palm area. The only one large recess is positioned near theedge of the glove palmar portion and is adapted to expose at least aportion of the pinkie finger metacarpal 447 when the glove is worn.

Preferably, a portion of the ring finger metacarpal 448 is also exposedby the one large recess.

The one large recess therefore extends to expose the lower palm, and isadapted to extend between the hypothenar eminence 441 and the base ofthe middle finger 442, thereby defining the boundary and location of thepalm opening. The glove body includes a thumb digital segment 40, aforefinger digital segment 41 and a middle finger digital segment 42that enclose and completely cover the wearer's thumb, forefinger andmiddle finger in their entirety, including enclosing the fingertips.

The only one large recess along the glove body palmar portion alsocertainly does not extend out to expose the thumb bulge 460 of thewearer's palm when the glove is worn, and is therefore completelycovered by the glove body palmar portion. The only one large recessextends diagonally 459 across the glove body palmar portion.

The embodiment may also provide micro recesses 463 randomly disposedalong the glove body dorsal portion, the palmar portion or the fingerstalls, for ventilation as is standard in golf gloves. The microrecesses are generally about 0.120 millimeters or so in diameter, butcertainly not large enough to enable skin contact with the golf club asthat would then make the embodiment unable to complete its intendedfunction.

The golf glove embodiment is significantly different than prior artbecause it provides a golfer with a glove that offers, among otherthings, an immediate feedback mechanism. The glove provides thisfeedback mechanism by lessening the skin sensitivities outside of theedge of the golf glove, or conversely, it heightens the exposed palmskin along the edge (because of the open and exposed area along andaround the edge of the palm), creating an extreme difference in tactilesensitivities with the exposed palm edge relative to the surroundingarea which is covered by the material forming the glove body. This, inturn, makes it possible to ‘feel’ only if the individual is swinging thegolf club using bad form; if the golf club touches the skin of the palm(via the exposed edge) then he used improper form but if the club didnot touch the skin then proper form was executed. Therefore, it isimportant that the one large recess not extend beyond the critical area.

In order to perform the intended function it is critical that locationand size of the one large recess be accurately considered. In otherwords, if the one large recess is not of substantial size for the nowexposed palm skin to touch a golf club, the embodiment would be renderedunable to perform its intended function. The ability of the skin of theexposed area created by the one large recess allows the wearer to getimmediate feedback by the heightened tactile sensitivities now that thegolf club can directly touch the now exposed skin.

Likewise, the one large recess cannot be substantially larger as itwould also significantly diminish its unique capabilities captured fromits unique combinations and synergies captured. For example, thestrategically placed one large recess is such that the golf club doesnot touch the exposed skin unless the golf club has moved down the palmof the wearer's hand during the golf swing. If the one large recess issubstantially larger or positioned to extend along the wearer'smetacarpophalangeal joints, then the golf club would touch the exposedskin even though the golf club is in fact being gripped properly. Infact, as aforementioned, it is important that the only one large recessnot extend to expose any of the wearer's metacarpophalangeals when theglove is worn. The forefinger metacarpophalangeal and middle fingermetacarpophalangeal, for example, often playa major role in weak handgrip and control, so exposing of portion of the forefingermetacarpophalangeal or middle finger metacarpophalangeal of the wearer'shand would therefore substantially diminish the wearer's ability to gripthe golf club.

Indeed, one of the surprising benefits of having immediate feedback hasto do with heightened tactile sensitivities both because only a specificpalm area is substantially exposed, as opposed to being covered by theglove material, and because of the significant tactile differencesbetween the exposed skin and the surrounding palm area which is coveredby the glove material; this major difference in tactile sensitivitiesmake it possible to quickly sense if the golf club suddenly touches theexposed skin. If the glove body palmar portion were to expose any of themetacarpophalangeal joints of the wearer's hand it would also diminishthe embodiment's intended function and limit the wearer's ability toproperly grip the golf club with the metacarpophalangeals as necessary.

Furthermore, the one large recess 45 is also preferably reinforced bystitching 449 or by hot sealing. Constant movement of the wearer's handincreases stress on the integrity of the glove by the continual rubbingand twisting of the one recess edge when engaging and disengaging a golfclub. Therefore the stitching can encircle the one large recess alongits edge in order to be effective at preventing tearing along the onelarge recess. Additionally, or alternatively, the one large recess maybe sealed. When cutting certain materials such as synthetic materialsincluding synthetic leather it is virtually impossible to keep the edgesfrom fraying and splitting, or from allowing atmospheric moisture toenter into the material through the formed edges, thereby eroding anddestroying the glove material. Therefore it is preferable that the onelarge recess edge be stitched or sealed, preferably by hot knifesealing. The industrial hot knife is preferably used to melt the fabricedge of the one large recess such that the one large recess are sealedthereby preventing fraying, fabric splitting, and atmospheric moisturefrom entering into the glove body material through the one recess. Ifthe one large recess is not sealed or stitched this portion will likelyfray or split eroding the integrity of the glove structure and itsvaluable and unique benefits to the wearer. Hot knife sealing will alsocreate a smooth finish along the entire one large recess edge. Hot knifesealing can only be performed on certain materials such as syntheticleathers and plastics otherwise the material will burn and cause harm tothe glove structure. Cotton material for example will burn and thereforehot knife sealing cannot be performed on that type of material. It istherefore preferable that at least the materials forming the one largerecess edge—the areas sealed—be formed of an appropriate material, suchas a synthetic material. Natural materials such as cotton and genuineleather will not hot knife seal well, burning the material and oftendestroying the glove.

The glove has an open end 450 at the wrist portion 451 of the glove. Theopen end is expansible so as to hold more securely to the wearer'swrist. The glove wrist dorsal portion has a strap means 452 forfastening the glove body secure about the wrist area, critical in sportsactivities where the wearer's hand moves very rapidly such as in golffor example. The strap means may comprise two pads of cohesive-adhesivematerial such as VELCRO fasteners 453, 454 or other hook and loopstructures for releasably securing the strap, for example, or otherstructures aforementioned. For example, the strap means may comprise aflap 455 which mechanically engages a flap capture mechanism to securethe glove to the wearers hand (e.g., a synthetic hook and loop fasteninginterface which adheres when pressed together, commonly using VELCRO).The strap means as well as the wrist portion may be sewn onto the glove,for example.

The glove body dorsal portion also has a slit 456. The slit allows thewearer to quickly take off or put on the glove, and doing so very easilyas is important especially in the sport of golf. The combined featuresof the slit with a strap means are especially valuable to wearers whoplay a sport of golf for example, as they allow the wearer to quicklytake off or put on the glove so as not to disrupt the athlete'sconcentration, and doing so very easily. The strap is positioned toextend manually over the slit. In order to maximize securement of theembodiment around the wearer's hand an elastomeric band 462 is affixedaround the glove wrist portion. The wrist portion may be formed integralwith the glove or may be attached to the glove by standard methods, suchas by sewing.

It is commonly known that wrist bands have been constructed withperspiration absorbing capabilities, allowing an athlete to wipeperspiration away from their face during competition. Where wrist bandsare not commonly used, such as in golf play, the athletes are currentlyleft deficient in this area unless they are handed a towel to wipe offthe perspiration. As such, a moisture absorbent material 457 may beprovided along the dorsal portion of embodiments allowing a wearer towipe off perspiration commonly on a wearer's face during active sportsplay. The moisture absorbent material may be secured anywhere along thedorsal surface of the glove body. The moisture absorbent material may beformed of any moisture absorbent material aforementioned, such as, forexample, about 1/12 inch terry cloth 458 or absorbent foam stitched ontothe dorsal portion surface of the glove body.

FIG. 5 & FIG. 14 show another embodiment of the present invention 5. Theembodiment has a palmar portion 59 overlaying the wearer's palm and hasonly one large recess 50 that exposes a portion of the palm ofsubstantial size to enable the exposed skin to touch a golf club whenthe glove is worn. The only one large recess is positioned near the edgeof the glove body palmar portion and is adapted to expose at least aportion of the pinkie finger metacarpal when the glove is worn. The onlyone large recess extending over the wearer's palm of the presentinvention does not extend to expose the metacarpophalangeal joint of thepinkie finger, the metacarpophalangeal joint of the ring finger, themetacarpophalangeal joint of the middle finger and themetacarpophalangeal joint of the forefinger—also known and defined asthe top portion 545 of the glove palmar portion of the presentinvention. In addition, the only one large recess is positioned alongthe glove palmar portion such that it does not extend to expose thethumb metacarpal 546 when the glove is worn to thereby maintainnecessary grip capabilities throughout the wearer's fivemetacarpophalangeals while increasing tactile sensitivities along thewearer's palm during sports play.

This embodiment is very useful especially for those wearers who grip thegolf club along the ‘D’ line 81, for example, which is represented inFIG. 8. All of the wearer's fingers are essentially completely coveredby the glove. The glove palmar portion comprises a large recess opening50 that is adapted to expose a specific and important portion of thewearer's palm when the glove is worn.

The glove embodiment can be made of any glove forming materialaforementioned, such as Cabretta leather 52, for example, to offermoisture and perspiration resistance. The thumb, forefinger, middlefinger, ring finger and pinkie finger of the wearer's hand are allentirely covered by the glove thumb stall 53, forefinger stall 54,middle finger stall 55, ring finger stall 56, and pinkie finger stall57, respectively.

As aforementioned, the glove body palmar portion has a large recessopening 50 positioned such that it exposes the palm 51 of the wearer andis opened closely below the glove body palmar top portion, extendingdiagonally across the pinkie finger metacarpal and the ring fingermetacarpal. A critical portion of the wearer's palm is exposed there bycreating heightened tactile sensitivities along the exposed palm area.

The length of the palm opening extends essentially parallel but belowthe ‘D’ path 151 as aforementioned, and can extend down up to 0.5 to aninch or so, the approximate diameter of a standard golf club shaft. Theremaining portion of the wearer's palm is not exposed by the one largerecess and is thus essentially covered by the glove body palmar portionincluding at least the majority of the wearer's hypothenar eminence 152and is thus without said opening.

Continuing to describe the embodiment from a more technical perspective,the palmar (front) view of the glove embodiment is drawn in FIG. 5 andthe dorsal (back) view of the same glove is drawn in FIG. 14. Thispartial-palm embodiment provides a glove having a dorsal portion 550, apalmar portion 59 for overlaying respective back and palm regions of ahuman hand, said dorsal and palmar portions having distal and proximalends with a plurality of digital segments (or stalls) projecting fromsaid distal ends. The glove includes a glove body having a dorsalportion covering the back of the hand, and a palmar portion coveringsubstantially all of the palm or front of the hand. In the illustratedembodiment, the glove is constructed such that the thumb digital segment53, the forefinger digital segment 54, the middle finger segment 55, thering finger segment 56 and the pinkie finger digital segment 57 enclosethe wearer's thumb, forefinger and middle finger in their entirety,including enclosing the fingertips of the thumb and fingers of thewearer's hand when the glove is worn.

The glove body palmar portion 59 has only one large recess 50 thatexposes a portion of the palm of substantial size to enable the exposedpalm skin to touch a golf club. As aforementioned, the only one largerecess extending over the wearer's palm of the present invention doesnot extend to expose the metacarpophalangeal joint of the pinkie finger,the metacarpophalangeal joint of the ring finger, themetacarpophalangeal joint of the middle finger or themetacarpophalangeal joint of the forefinger—also known and defined asthe top portion 545 of the glove palmar portion of the presentinvention. In addition, the only one large recess is positioned alongthe glove palmar portion such that it does not extend to expose thethumb metacarpal 546 when the glove is worn. The glove body palmarportion material thus overlays the entire top portion as well as theentire thumb metacarpal.

The only one large recess is further positioned near the edge of theglove palmar portion and is adapted to expose at least a portion of thepinkie finger metacarpal 547 when the glove is worn. At least a portionof the ring finger metacarpal 548 is also exposed by the one largerecess.

By enabling the skin of the wearer's pinkie metacarpal & ring fingermetacarpal areas of the palm, the sports glove now, as aforementioned,provides for instant feedback if the golf club substantial slips downthe glove body palmar edge during a golfer's downswing, indicating poorgolf swing execution. The one large recess is the only recess ofsubstantial size to enable skin contact of the wearer's palm with astandard golf club when the glove worn.

The only one large recess also certainly does not extend out to exposethe thumb bulge 525 of the wearer's palm when the glove is worn. Theonly one large recess extends 50 across the glove body palmar portion.Therefore, the material forming the glove body palmar portion alsooverlays and thereby covers the wearer's thumb bulge when the glove isworn. This is primarily due to the heightened tactile sensitivity of theexposed skin relative to the surrounding palm area which is covered bythe glove body as the one large recess is the only recess of substantialsize to enable skin contact of the wearer's palm to touch a golf clubwhen the glove worn. By specifically positioning the one large recess asaforementioned, the wearer is able to immediately feel if the golf clubslipped below the ‘D’ path position during the golf downswing,indicating poor swing fundamentals.

The embodiment also provides micro recesses 563 randomly disposed alongthe glove body dorsal portion, the palmar portion or the finger stalls,for ventilation as is standard in golf gloves. These micro recesses aregenerally about 0.120 millimeters or so in diameter, but certainly notlarge enough to enable skin contact with the golf club as that wouldthen make the embodiment unable to complete its intended function.

Golf glove embodiments are significantly different than prior artbecause they provide a golfer with a glove that offers, among otherthings, an immediate feedback mechanism. The glove provides thisfeedback mechanism by lessening the skin sensitivities outside of theedge of the golf glove, or conversely, it heightens the exposed palmskin along the edge (because of the open and exposed area along andaround the edge of the palm), creating an extreme difference in tactilesensitivities with the exposed palm edge relative to the areasurrounding the large recess which is covered by the material formingthe glove body. This, in turn, makes it possible to ‘feel’ only if theindividual is swinging the golf club using bad form; if the golf clubtouches the skin of the palm (via the exposed edge) then he usedimproper form but if the club did not touch the skin then proper formwas executed. Therefore, it is important that the one large recess notextend beyond the critical area.

In order for the embodiment to perform the intended function it iscritical that location and size of the one large recess be accuratelyconsidered. In other words, if the one large recess is not ofsubstantial size for the now exposed palm skin to touch a golf club, theembodiment would be rendered unable to perform its intended function.The ability of the skin of the exposed area created by the one largerecess allows the wearer to get immediate feedback by the heightenedtactile sensitivities now that the golf club can directly touch the nowexposed skin.

Likewise, the one large recess cannot be substantially larger as itwould also significantly diminish its unique capabilities captured fromits unique combinations and synergies captured. For example, thestrategically placed one large recess is such that the golf club doesnot touch the exposed skin unless the golf club has moved down the palmof the wearer's hand during the golf swing. If the one large recess issubstantially larger or positioned to extend along the wearer'smetacarpophalangeal joints, then the golf club would touch the exposedskin even though the golf club is in fact being gripped properly.Indeed, one of the surprising benefits of having immediate feedback hasto do with heightened tactile sensitivities both because only a specificpalm area is substantially exposed, as opposed to being covered by theglove material, and because of the significant tactile differencesbetween the exposed skin and the surrounding palm area which is coveredby the glove material; this major difference in tactile sensitivitiesmake it possible to quickly sense if the golf club suddenly touches theexposed skin.

In fact, as aforementioned, it is important that the only one largerecess not extend to expose any of the wearer's metacarpophalangealswhen the glove is worn. The forefinger metacarpophalangeal, middlefinger metacarpophalangeal, ring finger metacarpophalangeal and pinkiefinger metacarpophalangeal for example, often playa major role in weakhand grip and control so exposing of portion of the metacarpophalangealsof the wearer's hand would therefore substantially diminish the presentinvention's intended function and limit the wearer's ability to properlygrip the golf club with the metacarpophalangeals as necessary.

Furthermore, the one large recess 50 is also preferably reinforced bystitching 549 or by hot sealing. Constant movement of the wearer's handincreases stress on the integrity of the glove by the continual rubbingand twisting of the one recess edge when engaging and disengaging a golfclub. Therefore the stitching can encircle the one large recess alongits edge in order to be effective at preventing tearing along the onelarge recess. Additionally or alternatively, the one large recess may besealed. When cutting certain materials such as synthetic materialsincluding synthetic leather it is virtually impossible to keep the edgesfrom fraying and splitting, or from allowing atmospheric moisture toenter into the material through the formed edges, thereby eroding anddestroying the glove material. Therefore it is preferable that the onelarge recess edge be stitched or permanently sealed, preferably by hotknife sealing. The industrial hot knife is preferably used to melt thefabric edge of the one large recess such that the one large recess aresealed thereby preventing fraying, fabric splitting, and atmosphericmoisture from entering into the glove body material through the onerecess. If the one large recess is not sealed or stitched this portionwill likely fray or split eroding the integrity of the glove structureand its valuable and unique benefits to the wearer. Hot knife sealingwill also create a smooth finish along the entire one large recess edge.Hot knife sealing can only be performed on certain materials such assynthetic leathers and plastics otherwise the material will burn andcause harm to the glove structure. Cotton material for example will burnand therefore hot knife sealing cannot be performed on that type ofmaterial. It is therefore preferable that at least the materials formingthe one large recess edge—the areas sealed—be formed of an appropriatematerial, such as a synthetic material. Natural materials such as cottonand genuine leather will not hot knife seal well, burning the materialand often destroying the glove. It is therefore preferable that at leastthe materials forming the one large recess edge be formed of anappropriate material.

The glove has an open end 559 at the wrist portion 560 of the glove. Theopen end is expansible so as to hold more securely to the wearer'swrist. The glove wrist dorsal portion has a strap means 562 forfastening the glove body secure about the wrist area, critical in sportsactivities where the wearer's hand moves very rapidly such as in golffor example. The strap means may comprise two pads of cohesive-adhesivematerial such as VELCRO fasteners 553, 554 or other hook and loopstructures for releasably securing the strap, for example, or otherstructures aforementioned. For example, the strap means may comprise aflap 555 which mechanically engages a flap capture mechanism to securethe glove to the wearers hand (e.g., a synthetic hook and loop fasteninginterface which adheres when pressed together, commonly using VELCRO).The strap means as well as the wrist portion may be sewn onto the glove,for example.

The glove body dorsal portion also has a slit 556. The slit allows thewearer to quickly take off or put on the glove, and doing so very easilyas is important especially in the sport of golf. The combined featuresof the slit with a strap means are especially valuable to wearers whoplay a sport of golf for example, as they allow the wearer to quicklytake off or put on the glove so as not to disrupt the athlete'sconcentration, and doing so very easily. The strap is positioned toextend manually over the slit. In order to maximize securement of theembodiment around the wearer's hand an elastomeric band 572 is affixedaround the glove wrist portion. The wrist portion may be formed integralwith the glove or may be attached to the glove by standard methods, suchas by sewing.

The materials forming the illustrated embodiment comprise thosediscussed in reference to the present invention, such as primarily of aleather such as a synthetic leather. Likewise, any previously discussedmethods of construction may be applied to this embodiment. This glovebody dorsal portion also has a flexible material formed of a moreelastic fiber such as spandex 557, along the metacarpophalangeal joints558 of the wearer's forefinger, middle finger, ring finger and pinkiefinger when the glove is worn. Providing a more flexible elasticmaterial over the wearer's metacarpophalangeals allow the wearer tomaximize her ability to flex her hand and grip a sports device such as agolf club.

FIG. 6 and FIG. 15 draw another embodiment of the present invention of aglove 7 with an opening along the palmar side of the glove. The palmar(front) view of this glove embodiment is drawn in FIG. 6 and the dorsal(back) view of the same glove is drawn in FIG. 15. This partial—palmlessembodiment provides a glove having a dorsal portion 66, a palmar portion67 for overlaying respective back and palm regions of a human hand, saiddorsal and palmar portions having distal and proximal ends with aplurality of digital segments (or stalls) projecting from said distalends.

The glove body palmar portion overlaying the wearer's palm has only onelarge recess 77 that exposes a portion of the palm that is ofsubstantial size to enable the exposed skin to touch a golf club whenthe glove is worn. The only one large recess is positioned near the edgeof the glove palmar portion and is adapted to expose at least a portionof the pinkie finger metacarpal 647 when the glove is worn. The only onelarge recess extending over the wearer's palm of the present inventiondoes not extend to expose the metacarpophalangeal joint of the pinkiefinger, the metacarpophalangeal joint of the ring finger, themetacarpophalangeal joint of the middle finger and themetacarpophalangeal joint of the forefinger—also known and defined asthe top portion 645 of the glove palmar portion of the presentinvention. In addition, the only one large recess is positioned alongthe glove palmar portion such that it does not extend to expose thethumb metacarpal 646 when the glove is worn to thereby maintainnecessary grip capabilities throughout the wearer's fivemetacarpophalangeals while increasing tactile sensitivities along thewearer's palm during sports play.

Preferably, a portion of the ring finger metacarpal 648 is also exposedby the one large recess.

The one large recess does not extend to expose the forefinger metacarpalor the thumb metacarpal. By enabling the skin of the wearer's pinkiemetacarpal area of the palm, the sports glove now, as aforementioned,provides for instant feedback if the golf club substantial slips downthe pinkie finger metacarpal during a golfer's downswing, indicatingpoor golf swing execution. The one large recess is the only recess ofsubstantial size to enable skin contact of the wearer's palm with a golfclub when the glove worn.

The only one large recess also certainly does not extend out to exposethe thumb bulge 659 or so certainly does not extend to expose the thumbmetacarpal 646 of the wearer's palm when the glove is worn. The only onelarge recess extends diagonally 660 across the glove body palmarportion.

By enabling the skin of the wearer's pinkie metacarpal area of the palm,the sports glove now, as aforementioned, provides for instant feedbackif the golf club substantial slips down the glove body palmar edgeduring a golfer's downswing, indicating poor go If swing execution. Theone large recess is the only recess of substantial size to enable skincontact of the wearer's palm with a standard golf club when the gloveworn.

The only one large recess also certainly does not extend out to exposethe thumb bulge 659 of the wearer's palm when the glove is worn. Theonly one large recess extends 77 across the glove body palmar portion.Therefore, the material forming the glove body palmar portion alsooverlays and thereby covers the wearer's thumb bulge when the glove isworn. This is primarily due to the heightened tactile sensitivity of theexposed skin relative to the surrounding palm area which is covered bythe glove body as the one large recess is the only recess of substantialsize to enable skin contact of the wearer's palm to touch a golf clubwhen the glove worn. By specifically positioning the one large recess asaforementioned, the wearer is able immediately feel if the golf clubslipped below the ‘C’ path position during the golf downswing,indicating poor swing fundamentals.

This embodiment is especially useful for those uses who grip the golfclub along the ‘C’ path line 83 as represented in FIG. 8. This is alsoreferred to as a mid-palmar grip pattern, because it runs across themiddle of the wearer's palm, and it lies near the hypothenar eminence(heel pad) 661. The palm one large recess opening extends parallel tothis path 660 but lies below it.

The glove includes a glove body whereby the thumb 61, forefinger 62 andmiddle finger 63 of the wearer's hand are all essentially completelycovered when the glove is worn. The wearer's ring finger has itsfingertip uncovered 64, therefore the wearer's distal phalanx isexposed. The wearer's pinkie finger top two joints are also uncovered65, therefore the wearer's distal and middle phalanges are exposed. Theglove body therefore includes a thumb stall 68, a forefinger stall 69, amiddle finger stall 70, a ring finger stall 71, and a pinkie fingerstall 72 each adapted to receive a thumb, forefinger, middle finger,ring finger, and pinkie finger respectively, therein.

In the illustrated embodiment, the glove is constructed such that thethumb stall, the forefinger stall and the middle finger stall enclosethe wearer's thumb, forefinger and middle finger in their entirety,including enclosing the fingertips. In other words, the distal, middleand proximal phalanges of the wearer's thumb, forefinger and middlefingers are all completely covered when the glove is worn.

Additionally, the glove further comprises of ring finger stall 71 thatis designed to expose the wearer's fingertip when the glove is worn. Thering finger stall is therefore designed to overlay the proximal andmiddle phalanges of the wearer's ring finger but leaves the distalphalanx (the fingertip) uncovered. Additionally, the glove furthercomprises of pinkie finger stall 72 that is designed to expose thewearer's top two joints 65 when the glove is worn. The pinkie fingerstall is therefore designed to overlay the wearer's proximal phalanxwhen the glove is worn.

Golf glove embodiments are significantly different than prior artbecause they provide a golfer with a glove that offers, among otherthings, an immediate feedback mechanism. The glove provides thisfeedback mechanism by lessening the skin sensitivities outside of theedge of the golf glove, or conversely, it heightens the exposed palmskin along the edge (because of the open and exposed area along andaround the edge of the palm), creating an extreme difference in tactilesensitivities with the exposed palm edge relative to the surroundingarea which is covered by the material forming the glove body. This, inturn, makes it possible to ‘feel’ only if the individual is swinging thegolf club using bad form; if the golf club touches the skin of the palm(via the exposed edge) then he know he used improper form but if theclub did not touch the skin then proper form was executed. Therefore, itis important that the one large recess not extend beyond the criticalarea.

In order to perform the intended function it is critical that locationand size of the one large recess be accurately considered. In otherwords, if the one large recess is not of substantial size for the nowexposed palm skin to touch a golf club, the embodiment would be renderedunable to perform its intended function. The ability of the skin of theexposed area created by the one large recess allows the wearer to getimmediate feedback by the heightened tactile sensitivities now that thegolf club can directly touch the now exposed skin.

Likewise, the one large recess cannot be substantially larger as itwould also significantly diminish its unique capabilities captured fromits unique combinations and synergies captured. For example, thestrategically placed one large recess is such that the golf club doesnot touch the exposed skin unless the golf club has moved down the palmof the wearer's hand during the golf swing. If the one large recess issubstantially larger or positioned to extend along the wearer'smetacarpophalangeal joints, then the golf club would touch the exposedskin even though the golf club is in fact being gripped properly.Indeed, one of the surprising benefits of having immediate feedback hasto do with heightened tactile sensitivities both because only a specificpalm area is substantially exposed, as opposed to being covered by theglove material, and because of the significant tactile differencesbetween the exposed skin and the surrounding palm area which is coveredby the glove material; this major difference in tactile sensitivitiesmake it possible to quickly sense if the golf club suddenly touches theexposed skin.

In fact, as aforementioned, it is important that the only one largerecess not extend to expose any of the wearer's metacarpophalangealswhen the glove is worn. The forefinger metacarpophalangeal and middlefinger metacarpophalangeal, for example, often playa major role in weakhand grip and control so exposing of portion of the forefingermetacarpophalangeal or middle finger metacarpophalangeal of the wearer'shand would therefore substantially diminish the present invention'sintended function and limit the wearer's ability to properly grip thegolf club with the metacarpophalangeals as necessary. Likewise, it istherefore important to overlay all of the wearer's metacarpophalangealjoints when the glove is worn.

Furthermore, the one large recess 77 is also preferably reinforced bystitching or by hot sealing 649. Constant movement of the wearer's handincreases stress on the integrity of the glove by the continual rubbingand twisting of the one recess edge when engaging and disengaging a golfclub. Therefore the stitching can encircle the one large recess alongits perimeter edge in order to be effective at preventing tearing alongthe one large recess. Additionally or alternatively, the one largerecess may be sealed. When cutting certain materials such as syntheticmaterials including synthetic leather it is virtually impossible to keepthe edges from fraying and splitting, or from allowing atmosphericmoisture to enter into the material through the formed edges, therebyeroding and destroying the glove material. Therefore it is preferablethat the one large recess edge be stitched or permanently sealed,preferably by hot knife sealing. The industrial hot knife is preferablyused to melt the fabric edge of the one large recess such that the onelarge recess are sealed thereby preventing fraying, fabric splitting,and atmospheric moisture from entering into the glove body materialthrough the one recess. If the one large recess is not sealed orstitched this portion may fray or split eroding the integrity of theglove structure and its valuable and unique benefits to the wearer. Hotknife sealing will also create a smooth finish along the entire onelarge recess edge. Hot knife sealing can only be performed on certainmaterials such as synthetic leathers and plastics otherwise the materialwill burn and cause harm to the glove structure. Cotton material forexample will burn and therefore hot knife sealing cannot be performed onthat type of material. It is therefore preferable that at least thematerials forming the one large recess edge—the areas sealed—be formedof an appropriate material, such as a synthetic material. Naturalmaterials such as cotton and genuine leather will not hot knife sealwell, burning the material and often destroying the glove. It istherefore preferable that at least the materials forming the one largerecess edge be formed of an appropriate material.

The embodiment may also provide micro recesses 663 randomly disposedalong the glove body dorsal portion, the palmar portion or the fingerstalls, for ventilation as is standard in golf gloves. The microrecesses are generally about 0.120 millimeters or so in diameter, butcertainly not large enough to enable skin contact with the golf club asthat would then make the embodiment unable to complete its intendedfunction.

The glove has an open end 650 at the wrist portion 651 of the glove. Theopen end is expansible so as to hold more securely to the wearer'swrist. The glove wrist dorsal portion has a strap means 652 forfastening the glove body secure about the wrist area, critical in sportsactivities where the wearer's hand moves very rapidly such as in golffor example. The strap means may comprise two pads of cohesive-adhesivematerial such as VELCRO fasteners 653, 654 or other hook and loopstructures for releasably securing the strap, for example, or otherstructures aforementioned. For example, the strap means may comprise aflap 655 which mechanically engages a flap capture mechanism to securethe glove to the wearers hand (e.g., a synthetic hook and loop fasteninginterface which adheres when pressed together, commonly using VELCRO).The strap means as well as the wrist portion may be sewn onto the glove,for example.

In order to maximize securement of the embodiment around the wearer'shand an elastomeric band 662 is affixed around the glove wrist portion.The wrist portion may be formed integral with the glove or may beattached to the glove by standard methods, such as by sewing.

The glove body dorsal portion also has a slit 656. The slit allows thewearer to quickly take off or put on the glove, and doing so veryeasily. The combined features of the slit with a strap means areespecially valuable to wearers who play a sport of golf for example, asthey allow the wearer to quickly take off or put on the glove so as notto disrupt the athlete's concentration, and doing so very easily. Thestrap is positioned to extend manually over the slit.

The materials forming the illustrated embodiment comprise thosediscussed in reference to the present invention, such as primarily of aleather or synthetic leather. Likewise, any previously discussed methodsof construction may be applied to this embodiment. This glove bodydorsal portion may provide a flexible material formed of a more elasticfiber such as spandex 657, along the metacarpophalangeal joints 658 ofthe wearer's forefinger, middle finger, ring finger and pinkie fingerwhen the glove is worn. Providing a more flexible elastic material overthe wearer's metacarpophalangeals allow the wearer to maximize herability to flex her hand and grip a sports device such as a golf club.

FIG. 7 is a related art drawing showing where the hand of a quarterbackgenerally touches a football. The shaded areas 160 designate where thefootball is supposed to touch a quarterbacks throwing hand. Providing anopening below the palmar digital crease area 161 by positioning a largerecess along the middle of the glove body palmar portion but below thetop portion would therefore provide significant feel opportunities withthe standard football grip by increasing grip along the important palmartop portion while maintaining heightened tactile sensitivities along themiddle of the wearer's palm.

FIG. 8 is a related art drawing showing the three basic ways a golf clubcrosses the palm area of a wearer. The ‘D’ line represents what iscalled a “distance” grip pattern. This grip pattern is often describedas a finger grip pattern. As the title suggests, this grip is maintainedon and just below the fingers. The ‘N’ line represents what is called a“neutral grip” pattern. It is also called a low palmar grip pattern,because the grip lies across the low palm, and it is just above thehypothenar eminence area 141. The ‘C’ line represents what is called a“control” grip pattern. It is also referred to as a mid-palmar grippattern, because it runs across the middle of the left palm around thehypothenar eminence 141. The drawing replicates the drawing offered byJeffrey Mann (2010), A Perfect Golf Swing Review.

FIG. 9 is a replication of a drawing on page 81 of the referencedliterature book: Play Better Basketball, by Pruitt (1982). The renderingillustrates locations where a basketball should touch the palm and wherethe basketball should not when properly shooting a basketball. Theshaded areas 901 represent where the basketball should touch the palm ofthe shooting hand; all other areas of the palm should therefore nottouch the basketball. Clearly, the metacarpophalangeal of the forefinger902, the metacarpophalangeal of the middle finger 903, themetacarpophalangeal of the ring finger 904, and the metacarpophalangealof the pinkie finger 905 touch the basketball when properly shooting thebasketball. In addition, the thumb bulge 906 also touches the basketballwhen shooting the basketball. In contrast, the middle of the shooter'spalm 907 does not touch the basketball when shooting the basketballusing proper shooting form.

FIG. 10 is the dorsal (back) view of embodiment 1, and the palmar viewof the same embodiment is shown in FIG. 1. This partial-fingeredembodiment provides a glove having a dorsal portion 107, a palmarportion 106 for overlaying respective back and palm regions of a humanhand, said dorsal and palmar portions having distal and proximal endswith a plurality of digital segments (or stalls) projecting from saiddistal ends. Additionally, two separate openings or ringlets 120, 121are provided on said distal ends, such that a wearer's ring finger 16and pinkie finger 12 may individually extend through said glove andexpose the entire ring finger and pinkie finger when the glove is worn.The glove includes a glove body having a dorsal portion covering theback of the hand and a palmar portion covering substantially all of thepalm or front of the hand. The glove body includes a thumb stall 9 eachadapted to receive a thumb, therein. In the illustrated embodiment, theglove is constructed such that the thumb digital segment 9 encloses thewearer's thumb, in its entirety, including enclosing the fingertip. Theglove does not comprise of finger stalls for a wearer's ring finger orpinkie finger. The distal ends of the dorsal portion 107 and palmarportion 106 of the glove body further provides two separate fingeropenings (or ringlets) 121, 120, where the wearer's ring finger andpinkie finger may extend through said glove body and thereby beingcompletely uncovered by said glove body.

Therefore, the ring finger and pinkie fingers are both all completelyuncovered when the glove is worn. In other words, the distal, middle andproximal phalanges of the wearer's ring and pinkie fingers arecompletely exposed.

The glove therefore also has a distal lateral edge, wherein the glovebody palmar portion and the glove body dorsal portion meet at a distallateral edge. One or more digital segments may project from the distallateral edge of the body. A terminal edge 119 is formed at the distallateral edge creating one or more of the individual digital ringlets120, 121 such that a finger can extend past the terminal edge tocompletely expose the finger when the glove is worn. The terminal edgeformed at the distal lateral edge of the embodiment create the separateringlets 120, 121 on said distal ends such that a wearer's ring finger16 and pinkie finger 12 individually extend through said glove andexpose the entire ring finger and pinkie finger when the glove is worn.

The glove is therefore constructed such that the thumb digital segment 9encloses the wearer's thumb in its entirety, including enclosing thefingertip. The glove therefore does not comprise of finger stalls for awearer's ring finger or middle finger.

The glove has an open end at the wrist portion 123 of the glove. Theopen end 124 is expansible so as to hold more securely to the wearer'swrist. The glove wrist dorsal portion 125 has a strap means 126 forfastening the glove body secure about the wrist area, critical in sportsactivities where the wearer's hand moves very rapidly such as inbasketball for example. The strap means may comprise two pads ofcohesive-adhesive material such as VELCRO fasteners 127, 128 or otherhook and loop structures for releasably securing the strap, for example,or other structures aforementioned. For example, the strap means maycomprise a flap 129 which mechanically engages a flap capture mechanismto secure the glove to the wearers hand (e.g., a synthetic hook and loopfastening interface which adheres when pressed together, commonly usingVELCRO). The strap means as well as the wrist portion may be sewn ontothe glove, for example.

The glove body dorsal portion also has a slit 140. The slit allows thewearer to quickly take off or put on the glove, and doing so veryeasily. The combined features of the slit with a strap means areespecially valuable to wearers who play a sport of basketball forexample, as they allow the wearer to quickly take off or put on theglove so as not to disrupt the athlete's concentration, and doing sovery easily. The strap is positioned to extend over the slit.

It is commonly known that wrist bands have been constructed withperspiration absorbing capabilities, allowing an athlete to wipeperspiration away from their face during competition such as inbasketball. However, as a basketball player is constantly moving herhand and wrist during play, the wrist bands often move up the wearer'swrists and can thus disturb the basketball player's focus during play.As such, a moisture absorbent material is provided along the glove bodydorsal portion allowing the wearer to wipe off perspiration commonly ona wearer's face during active sports play. The moisture absorbentmaterial may be secured anywhere along the dorsal surface of the glovebody, preferably along the middle of the glove body dorsal portion 134,along the glove body dorsal portion overlaying the forefinger metacarpal131, or both. The moisture absorbent material 132 may be formed of anymoisture absorbent material aforementioned, such as, for example, about1/12 inch terry cloth 133 or so, or an absorbent foam stitched onto thedorsal portion surface of the glove body.

As aforementioned, the glove may made of any appropriate materialsaforementioned to offer moisture and perspiration resistance. Such asthe glove body dorsal portion formed primarily of a polyester fiberwhile the glove body palmar portion formed primarily of a polyester &polyurethane combination, and may be coated with a silicone to increasegrip if preferable.

FIG. 12 is the dorsal (back) view of embodiment 3, and the palmar(front) view of the same embodiment is shown in FIG. 3. Thispartial-palm embodiment provides a glove having a dorsal portion 38, apalmar portion 37 for overlaying respective back and palm regions of ahuman hand. In the illustrated embodiment, the glove is constructed suchthat the wearer's forefinger is uncovered 135, the wearer's middlefinger is uncovered 136, the wearer's ring finger is uncovered 137 andthe wearer's pinkie finger is uncovered 138 when the glove is worn. Inaddition, this embodiment provides a grip enhancer along the top portion331 of the glove body palmar portion.

More specifically, the grip-enhancing means of this embodiment isadapted to overlay the metacarpophalangeal joints of the wearer'sforefinger, middle finger, ring finger and pinkie finger 331 when theglove is worn. The textured grip-enhancing means 236 does not extendbeyond said metacarpophalangeal joints thereby leaving the rest of thepalm free of said grip enhancing means. The grip enhancing means maycomprise of a plurality of projections 336, such as PVC dots forexample. Providing a grip enhancing means along this portion of the palmwill significantly enhance grip capabilities for the wearer, and leavingthe rest of the palm portion free of the grip enhancing means will allowthe rest of the palm to more easily flex and stretch by not beingburdened by the added texturing.

As aforementioned, the glove has one discreet opening created by onelarge recess 31, and this one opening is adapted to extend substantiallyin a middle of the palmar portion of the glove and is substantially inthe middle of the glove palmar portion, positioned such that it exposesthe middle of the wearer's palm when the glove is worn. The one largerecess opening follows the edge of the thumb bulge but not on it 32. Itis extremely important that the one palm opening of the embodiment ispositioned to expose substantially only the middle of the wearer's palmand of a size such that it enables the skin of the wearer's palm totouch a basketball when the glove is worn, while simultaneouslyproviding added grip along the thumb bulge by covering it.

The only one large recess along the glove body palmar portion ispositioned principally along the middle of the glove palmar portionthereby exposing a substantial portion of the wearer's middle fingermetacarpal when the glove is worn. The only one large recess extendingover the wearer's palm of the present invention does not extend toexpose the metacarpophalangeal joint of the pinkie finger, themetacarpophalangeal joint of the ring finger, the metacarpophalangealjoint of the middle finger and the metacarpophalangeal joint of theforefinger—also known and defined as the top portion 331 of the glovepalmar portion of the present invention. In addition, the only one largerecess is positioned along the glove palmar portion such that it doesnot extend to expose the thumb metacarpal when the glove is worn.Therefore, the glove body palmar portion overlays the entire pinkiefinger metacarpophalangeal joint, the entire ring fingermetacarpophalangeal joint, the entire middle finger metacarpophalangealjoint, and the entire forefinger metacarpophalangeal of the wearer'shand 331 Additionally, the glove body palmar portion overlays the thumbbulge 32 including the entire thumb metacarpal of the wearer's hand whenthe glove is worn.

The glove is significantly different than prior art because it providesa basketball player with a glove that offers, an immediate feedbackmechanism. The glove provides this feedback mechanism by lessening theskin sensitivities outside of the shooter's gap region by covering itwith the material forming the glove body, while relatively heighteningthe palm skin located on the shooter' gap region (principally along themiddle of the palm) because of the open area caused by the only onelarge recess. The resulting tactile sensitivities differential createsan immediate feedback mechanism by making it possible to ‘feel’ when sheis shooting a basketball using improper shooting form; if the basketballtouches the skin of the palm (via the exposed palm) then that means sheused improper form, but if the basketball did not touch the skin thenproper form was executed. Therefore, it is important that the one largerecess not extend beyond the critical area of the shooter's gap region.

In order to perform the intended function it is critical that locationand size of the one large recess be accurately considered. In otherwords, if the one large recess is not of substantial size for the nowexposed palm skin to touch a basketball, the embodiment would berendered unable to perform its intended function. The ability of theskin of the exposed area created by the one large recess allows thewearer to get immediate feedback by the heightened tactile sensitivitiesnow that the basketball can directly touch the exposed skin of themiddle of the palm.

Likewise, the one large recess cannot be significantly larger as itwould also significantly diminish its unique capabilities captured fromits unique combinations and synergies captured. For example, thestrategically placed one large recess is such that the basketball shouldnot touch the exposed skin unless the basketball has violated theshooter's gap region when preparing to shoot or when shooting thebasketball. If the one large recess is substantially larger orpositioned to extend along the wearer's metacarpophalangeal joints, thenthe basketball would touch the exposed skin even though the basketballis in fact being held and shot properly. Indeed, one of the surprisingbenefits of having immediate feedback has to do with heightened tactilesensitivities both because only a specific palm area is substantiallyexposed, as opposed to being covered by the glove material, and becausethe significant tactile differences between the exposed skin compared tothe surrounding palm area, which is covered by the glove material (andthereby unable to touch the basketball); this major difference intactile sensitivities make it possible to quickly sense if thebasketball suddenly touches the exposed skin.

In fact, as aforementioned, it is important that the only one largerecess not extend to expose any of the wearer's metacarpophalangealswhen the glove is worn. The pinkie finger metacarpophalangeal and thumbmetacarpophalangeal, for example, can play a major role when control andshooting a basketball so exposing the pinkie finger metacarpophalangealor thumb metacarpophalangeal of the wearer's hand would substantiallydiminish the present invention's intended function.

An additional surprising result resulting from the unique structure ofthe embodiment is that the glove will give the basketball player theability to put more backspin on the basketball when shooting thebasketball. More backspin would, of course, give the ball the ability ofbouncing around the hoop if the basket is not initially made, andproviding more of what is commonly known as ‘a shooters touch’. Theability of the wearer to have more backspin would be uniquely created bythe glove palmar portion having a top portion that covers themetacarpophalangeal joints of the wearer's fingers in their entiretythus creating increased grip capabilities along the joints that cancreate the backspin.

The embodiment may further comprise micro recesses along the glove bodypalmar and dorsal portions, for moisture management purposes as long as,of course, these micro recesses are not of substantial size to enableskin contact with a basketball. These micro recesses are generally about0.120 millimeters or so in diameter, but certainly not large enough toenable skin contact with a basketball as that would then make theembodiment unable to complete its intended function.

Furthermore, the one large recess is preferably also reinforced,preferably by stitching 238 or by hot sealing. Constant movement of thewearer's hand increases stress on the integrity of the glove by thecontinual rubbing and twisting of the one recess when engaging anddisengaging a basketball. Therefore the stitching can encircle the onelarge recess along its edge in order to be effective at preventingtearing along the one large recess. Additionally or alternatively, theone large recess may be sealed. When cutting certain materials such assynthetic materials including synthetic leather it is virtuallyimpossible to keep the edges from fraying and splitting, or fromallowing atmospheric moisture to enter into the material through theformed edges, thereby eroding and destroying the glove material.Therefore it is preferable that the one large recess edge be stitched orpermanently sealed, preferably by hot knife sealing. The industrial hotknife is preferably used to melt the fabric edge of the one large recesssuch that the one large recess is sealed thereby preventing fraying,fabric splitting, and atmospheric moisture from entering into the glovebody material through the one recess. If the one large recess is notsealed this portion may fray or split eroding the integrity of the glovestructure and its valuable and unique benefits to the wearer. Hot knifesealing will also create a smooth finish along the entire one largerecess edge. Hot knife sealing can only be performed on certainmaterials such as synthetic leathers and plastics otherwise the materialwill burn and cause harm to the glove structure. Cotton material forexample will burn and therefore hot knife sealing cannot be performed onthat type of material in which case stitching may be more appropriate.Natural materials such as cotton and genuine leather will not hot knifeseal well, burning the material and often destroying the glove. It istherefore preferable that at least the materials forming the one largerecess edge be formed of an appropriate material.

If the glove body is formed of a rubber or neoprene material, thenfraying may not be an issue or course.

The glove has an open end 337 at the wrist portion 338 of the glove. Theopen end is expansible so as to hold more securely to the wearer'swrist. The glove wrist dorsal portion has a strap means 339 forfastening the glove body secure about the wrist area, critical in sportsactivities where the wearer's hand moves very rapidly such as inbasketball for example. The strap means may comprise two pads ofcohesive-adhesive material such as VELCRO fasteners 340, 341 or otherhook and loop structures for releasably securing the strap, for example,or other structures aforementioned. For example, the strap means maycomprise a flap 342 which mechanically engages a flap capture mechanismto secure the glove to the wearers hand (e.g., a synthetic hook and loopfastening interface which adheres when pressed together, commonly usingVELCRO). The strap means as well as the wrist portion may be sewn ontothe glove, for example.

The embodiment also provides micro recesses randomly disposed along theglove body dorsal portion, for ventilation. This micro recesses aregenerally about 0.120 millimeters or so in diameter, but certainly notlarge enough to enable skin contact with the basketball as that wouldthen make the embodiment unable to complete its intended function.

The glove body dorsal portion also has a slit 343. The slit allows thewearer to quickly take off or put on the glove, and doing so veryeasily. The combined features of the slit with a strap means areespecially valuable to wearers who play a sport of basketball forexample, as they allow the wearer to quickly take off or put on theglove so as not to disrupt the athlete's concentration, and doing sovery easily. It is therefore important that the strap is positionedalong the glove body dorsal portion to extend manually over the slit.

It is commonly known that wrist bands have been constructed withperspiration absorbing capabilities, allowing an athlete to wipeperspiration away from their face during competition such as inbasketball. However, as a basketball player is constantly moving herhand and wrist during play, the wrist bands often move up the wearer'swrists and can thus disturb the basketball player's focus during play.As such, a moisture absorbent material is provided along the glove bodydorsal portion allowing the wearer to wipe off perspiration commonly ona wearer's face during active sports play. The moisture absorbentmaterial 345 may be secured anywhere along the dorsal surface of theglove body, preferably along the middle of the glove body dorsalportion, along the glove body dorsal portion overlaying the forefingermetacarpal, or both. The moisture absorbent material may be formed ofany moisture absorbent material aforementioned, such as, for example,about 1/12 inch terry cloth or so, or an absorbent foam stitched ontothe dorsal portion surface of the glove body.

The materials forming the illustrated embodiment comprise thosediscussed in reference to the present invention, such as a syntheticleather or neoprene material. Likewise, any previously discussed methodsof construction may be applied to this embodiment. This glove bodydorsal portion also has a more flexible material, as compared to thesurrounding material forming the glove body dorsal portion, formed of amore elastic fiber 352 such as spandex 353, along themetacarpophalangeal joints 354 of the wearer's forefinger, middlefinger, ring finger and pinkie finger when the glove is worn. Providinga more flexible elastic material over the wearer's metacarpophalangealsallows the wearer to maximize her ability to flex her hand and grip asports device such as a basketball.

As aforementioned in the specification, a critical benefit here is theability to quickly assess her shot and therefore being able to adjustaccordingly by only exposing the shooter's gap region of the wearer'shand. The benefits of this glove include the ability to enhance thesenses around the uncovered palm (relative to the other parts of thehand which are covered) so that the basketball player could more easilyknow when the basketball is touching the palm, generally indicating badshooting form. The palm opening can vary in size and shape as long as itdoesn't extend significantly beyond substantially the middle of the palmarea. Having multiple openings or a much wider opening could diminishtactile sensitivities along the shooter's gap region, a principalobjective and advantage of the present invention.

I claim:
 1. A basketball glove comprising: a partial palmless glove,said partial palmless glove having a palmar portion that is adapted tooverlay a palm of a wearer's hand, said glove having one large recessextending principally in a middle of the glove body palmar portion andthereby exposing a middle of the wearer's palm when the glove is worn;said one large recess having a proximal edge and a distal edge; whereinsaid glove body palmar portion has a top portion comprising: a materialthe overlays a forefinger metacarpophalangeal joint, a middle fingermetacarpophalangeal joint, a ring finger metacarpophalangeal joint, anda pinkie finger metacarpophalangeal joint of the wearer's palm when theglove is worn; and, wherein said one large recess proximal edge isadapted to abut but not expose a top portion of the wearer's palm,thereby not exposing the wearer's metacarpophalangeal joints of thewearer's pinkie finger, ring finger, middle finger or forefinger whenthe glove is worn.
 2. The basketball glove as claimed in claim 1,wherein said glove is absent of any digital segments thereby completelyexposing a thumb, forefinger, middle finger, ring finger and pinkiefinger of the wearer's hand when the glove is worn.
 3. The basketballglove as claimed in claim 1, wherein one large recess does not extend toexpose any portion of a thumb metacarpal when the glove is worn.
 4. Thebasketball glove as claimed in claim 1, wherein said glove body palmarportion is adapted to overlay a metacarpal of the thumb, a metacarpal ofthe forefinger, a metacarpal of the middle finger, a metacarpal of thering finger, and a metacarpal of the pinkie finger when the glove isworn; wherein said one large recess is the only recess along the glovebody palmar portion of substantial size to touch a basketball.
 5. Thebasketball glove as claimed in claim 1, wherein said glove palmarportion comprises of a grip enhancing means that is adapted to overlay ametacarpophalangeal joint of the wearer's forefinger, ametacarpophalangeal joint of the wearer's ring finger, and ametacarpophalangeal joint of the wearer's pinkie finger when the gloveis worn; and, wherein said grip enhancing means is configured to createa higher coefficient of friction than a surrounding glove body materialforming the glove body palmar portion.
 6. The basketball glove asclaimed in claim 1, wherein said glove further comprises of a dorsalportion that is adapted to overlay a back of the wearer's hand, saidglove dorsal and palmar portions each having distal and proximal ends;wherein said basketball glove having distal ends such that the wearer'sthumb, forefinger, middle finger, ring finger and pinkie finger are eachexposed and uncovered by the glove; and, wherein said glove body palmarand dorsal portions each having a hypothenar eminence section that isadapted to overlay a hypothenar eminence of the wearer's hand when theglove is worn.
 7. The basketball glove as claimed in claim 1, whereinsaid glove further comprises a grip-enhancing means that is positionedalong a top portion of the glove palmar portion and is adapted toincrease grip along said top portion than a surrounding palmar portion,thereby allowing the wearer to better control a basketball when theglove is worn by increasing grip along said top portion as compared tothe surrounding palmar portion; said grip enhancing means comprising ofa plurality of projections configured to create a higher coefficientthan the surrounding glove body material forming the glove palmarportion.
 8. The basketball glove as claimed in claim 1, wherein saidglove palmar portion has a thumb metacarpal portion that is configuredto overlay a thumb metacarpal of the wearer's hand.
 9. The basketballglove as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one large recess is the onlylarge recess on the glove palmar portion overlaying the wearer's palm;and wherein said palmar portion further comprises a grip enhancing meansconsisting of a plurality of projections.
 10. The basketball glove asclaimed in claim 1, wherein said glove palmar portion top portioncomprises of a grip-enhancing means that is configured to create ahigher coefficient of friction than a surrounding glove palmar portion,thereby increasing the grip capabilities of the wearer along said palmartop portion when the glove is worn.
 11. The basketball glove as claimedin claim 1, wherein said glove palmar portion top portion comprising ofa grip-enhancing means that is adapted to create a higher coefficient offriction than a surrounding glove palmar portion, thereby increasing thegrip capabilities of the wearer along said palmar top portion when theglove is worn; wherein said grip-enhancing means consists of PVC dots.12. The basketball glove as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one largerecess is substantially on the middle of the palm area, having a radiusof up to about one inch, thereby defining the boundary of the palmopening substantially on the middle of the wearer's palm.
 13. Thebasketball glove as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one large recess isthe only recess along the palmar portion.
 14. A sports glove comprising:a partial palmless glove, said partial palmless glove having a palmarportion that is adapted to overlay a palm of a wearer's hand, said glovehaving one large recess extending in a middle area of the glove bodypalmar portion to thereby expose principally only a middle of thewearer's palm when the glove is worn; said one large recess having aproximal edge and a distal edge; wherein said glove body palmar portionhas a top portion comprising: a material the overlays a forefingermetacarpophalangeal joint, a middle finger metacarpophalangeal joint, aring finger metacarpophalangeal joint, and a pinkie fingermetacarpophalangeal joint of the wearer's palm when the glove is worn;and, wherein said one large recess proximal edge is adapted to abut butnot expose a top portion of the wearer's palm, thereby not exposing thewearer's metacarpophalangeal joints of the wearer's pinkie finger, ringfinger, middle finger or forefinger when the glove is worn; and, whereinsaid distal edge is adapted to abut but not expose a thumb metacarpalwhen the glove is worn; and, wherein said wherein said one large recessis positioned along the glove body palmar portion such that it does notexpose a pinkie metacarpal when the glove is worn; and, wherein said oneopening is positioned along the palmar portion such that said openingextends to leave exposed only a shooter's gap region of the wearer'spalm, and thereby allowing the wearer to focus attention on maintainingthe shooter's gap region from touching the basketball while shooting thebasketball, and providing instant feedback if said shooter's gap isbreached by the basketball touching an exposed palm portion when theglove is worn; and, wherein said glove body dorsal portion furthercomprises of at least one weight adapted to strengthen hand muscles whenthe glove is worn; and, wherein said one weight is enclosed in acompartment integral or affixed to the glove body dorsal portion. 15.The sports glove as claimed in claim 14, wherein said glove palmar topportion comprises of a grip-enhancing means that creates a highercoefficient of friction than a surrounding glove palmar portion, therebyincreasing the grip capabilities of the wearer along said palmar topportion when the glove is worn; wherein said grip enhancing means isadapted to not extend beyond said glove palmar top portion such that theremaining palmar portion is free of said grip enhancing means.
 16. Thesports glove as claimed in claim 14, wherein said glove having opendistal ends that are adapted such that the wearer's thumb, forefinger,middle finger, and ring finger are each entirely exposed and uncoveredby the glove when the glove is worn.
 17. The sports glove as claimed inclaim 14, wherein said glove In addition, the embodiment has ahighlighted area along the perimeter of the one large recess so thattrainers can more easily see if a shooting violation is taking placewhile she shoots the ball; whereon a entire perimeter of the one largerecess is highlighted with a bright material or coating in order to becapable of being seen from a distance when a basketball is beingproperly held on the wearer's shooting hand when the glove is worn. 18.The sports glove as claimed in claim 14, wherein said basketball glovepalmar top portion further comprises of a grip-enhancing means; whereinsaid grip-enhancing means is adapted to increase the grip along themetacarpophalangeal joints of the wearer's palm when gripping abasketball with the shooting hand using a preferred shooting grip;wherein said grip enhancing means is adapted to create a highercoefficient of friction than a surrounding glove palmar portion materialwhich is free of said grip enhancing means.
 19. The sports glove asclaimed in claim 14, wherein said glove has a distal lateral edge;wherein the glove body palmar portion and the glove body dorsal portionmeet at a distal lateral edge; wherein a plurality of digital segmentsproject from the distal lateral edge of the body forming a terminaledge, said distal lateral edge creating a plurality of individualdigital ringlets such that a finger can extend past the terminal edge tocompletely expose a finger when the glove is worn; said terminal edgecreating separate ringlets such that a thumb, a forefinger, a middlefinger, and a ring finger can each individually extend past the terminaledge to completely expose the thumb, forefinger, middle finger, ringfinger, and pinkie finger when the glove is worn.
 20. The sports gloveas claimed in claim 14, wherein said one large recess is on the middleof the palm area of the glove; and wherein said one opening second loweredge follows a thumb bulge crease of the wearer's hand when the glove isworn; and wherein said sports glove has open distal ends such that thewearer's thumb, ring finger, forefinger, middle finger, and pinkiefinger are each exposed by the glove; and glove palmar top portioncomprises of a grip-enhancing means comprising of a reinforced layeraffixed to the glove body top portion; said reinforced layer beingconfigured to create a higher coefficient of friction than a surroundingglove palmar portion, thereby increasing the grip capabilities of thewearer along said palmar portion when the glove is worn; wherein saidgrip enhancing means is adapted to not extend beyond said glove palmartop portion such that the remaining palmar portion is free of said gripenhancing means; wherein said one large recess extends to leave exposedonly the middle of the wearer's palm defining a basketball shooter's gapregion, and thereby allowing a wearer to focus attention on maintaininga shooter's gap region while shooting the basketball, and providingimmediate feedback if the shooter's gap region is breached by allowingsaid basketball to touch the exposed shooter's gap region of thewearer's palm when the glove is worn.